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Although challenges within South Africa\u2032s public healthcare referral systems are recognised, patients\u2032 experiences remain underexplored. This study explored patients\u2032 experiences of occupational therapy referral pathways within the Tygerberg substructure and identified factors influencing access to care. A qualitative descriptive design was used, with semistructured interviews conducted with seven purposively sampled participants. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke\u2032s framework. Three themes emerged: challenges in healthcare accessibility and referral processes; environmental, administrative and communication barriers affecting access to occupational therapy; and factors facilitating access and positive rehabilitation experiences. Findings highlighted the influence of health literacy, communication, transport, distance, community safety and referral delays on access to services. Despite these barriers, participants reported positive perceptions of occupational therapy and its outcomes. The findings emphasise the need for patient\u2010centred referral pathways, improved patient education and enhanced communication within public healthcare rehabilitation services.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1155\/oti\/5528214","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,6]],"date-time":"2026-10-06T06:42:16Z","timestamp":1791268936000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Occupational Therapy Referral Pathways for Upper Limb Conditions in Tygerberg, South Africa: Stakeholder Perspectives"],"prefix":"10.1155","volume":"2026","author":[{"given":"Truwin","family":"Appel","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Hilletje","family":"de Villiers","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Buhlebethu","family":"Fihlani","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Student Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Cherise","family":"Reyneke","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Khanyisa","family":"Tshalala","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7639-9319","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Susan","family":"de Klerk","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Division of Occupational Therapy Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Stellenbosch University  Stellenbosch South Africa  sun.ac.za"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"311","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,5]]},"reference":[{"key":"e_1_2_11_1_2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1080\/07380577.2023.2243509"},{"key":"e_1_2_11_2_2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1155\/2023\/5562025"},{"key":"e_1_2_11_3_2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.17159\/2310-3833\/2019\/vol49n2a8"},{"key":"e_1_2_11_4_2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.17159\/2310-3833\/2017\/v47n1a8"},{"key":"e_1_2_11_5_2","unstructured":"Van StormbroekK. 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