UK rehabilitation professionals' experiences undertaking short-term responses after sudden-onset disaster

Background/Aims Rehabilitation professionals can be members of international emergency responding medical teams after a natural disaster or following conflict. There is little research that explores the experiences of rehabilitation professionals who participate in these short-term emergency responses. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of rehabilitation professionals, specifically those of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Objectives included examining personal and professional development opportunities, and how these experiences might inform future responses and the rehabilitation professional role. Methods A phenomenological approach was undertaken. Eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with rehabilitation professionals who had worked as part of short-term response following conflict or sudden-onset disaster. Transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two main themes and subsequent subthemes emerged. Theme 1 was challenges, with subthemes: an emotional journey; have I made a difference; and cultural and contextual awareness. Theme 2 was opportunities, with subthemes: a short-term response; working together; and developing skills and knowledge. Conclusions The experiences of UK-based rehabilitation professionals on short-term rotational responses as part of an emergency specialised rehabilitation team were overall positive. Challenges have implications for developing future pre- and post-response training and support. Further research is recommended to determine the contribution of these responses and to continue to develop understanding of the rehabilitation professional role in a responding specialised rehabilitation team.

The Importance of the Nurse as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team in Care of Children With Disabilities

Previously, the general opinion was that the nurse was only in charge of patient care, but research to date has shown that the scope of work of a nurse is extremely complex and therefore, it occupies an important place in the treatment and care of them.Multidisciplinary teamwork has contributed to more effective treatment, better disease outcomes, shorter hospital stay, prevention of complications and a better quality of life. This way of working, besides the child itself, emphasizes the whole family, which makes it possible active involvement of parents through all stages of treatment, rehabilitation, professional therapy and support. Through this research, parents and caregivers of children with disabilities have acknowledged the involvement of the nurse as an important role, that she is an integral part of the care team for atypical children, that the scope of her work responsibilities and daily activities contribute to improving the quality of care, communication and social care as well as integration. The survey instrument was an anonymous questionnaire, and the obtained data were compared using Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square tests to examine whether there was statistical significance.The results change the awareness of the work, roles and importance of the work of the nurse with children with disabilities and emphasize active participation in all spheres of life of atypical children.

A Commentary on Telerehabilitation Services in Pakistan: Current Trends and Future Possibilities

A 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) study reported that almost 27 million people with disability live in Pakistan with fewer than one allied rehabilitation professional per 10,000 people. The current study sought to determine the attitudes toward telerehabilitation via a survey administered to 329 Pakistani rehabilitation professionals. Study results indicate that rehabilitation professionals in Pakistan are knowledgeable about telerehabilitation and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and are receptive to employing telerehabilitation programs and applications. Therefore, we can infer that the future of telerehabilitation can be bright in Pakistan but requires the attention of policy makers and non-government organizations to launch an appropriate program nationwide. The authors suggest that a range of telerehabilitation services (e.g., consultation, assessment, and therapy) could alleviate the shortage of rehabilitation personnel in Pakistan.