Quality evidence-based rehabilitation: Key aspects for patients to consider

Maintaining contact with all specialists and setting a clear goal for the rehabilitation period should be key elements for patients in achieving quality evidence-based rehabilitation.

This was discussed during a press conference at the Media Center Ukraine.

“Evidence-based rehabilitation, especially the modern approach we are building and striving for in Ukraine, is one in which patients undergo thorough assessments, set achievable goals, and receive interventions specifically designed to achieve those goals. Patients should understand the purpose of each step in their rehabilitation. For example, if we want to achieve a certain functional goal, regain an action, or adapt to something, it should be integrated into the daily rehabilitation process,” explained Tetiana Baryshok, head of the board of the NGO “All-Ukrainian Association of Physiotherapists”.

According to her, while both passive and active methods have a place in rehabilitation, passive methods should not dominate; they should be used only where they are optimal and proven to be beneficial.

She noted that according to the standards of the National Health Service of Ukraine, rehabilitation should include three hours of active therapeutic sessions per day. Specifically, this means that patients work with a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist.

Depending on their goals, patients may feel tired, which can be normal in some cases.

“Specialists should be able to answer patients’ questions clearly, and patients need to understand that their rehabilitation process is highly individualized. While others may have similar goals, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Yes, they may have something similar, but this is definitely not a circuit workout where we all stand in a circle and go to different machines, because this is not an individual approach and this is not how we achieve our goal. Group sessions, especially for inpatients with complex needs, do not meet NHSU requirements for individualized sessions. Our facilities should strive to create conditions that support one-on-one engagement,” added Tetiana Baryshok.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news