Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy and Prosthetics

Abstract

The need for rehabilitation expertise within the emergency humanitarian response team is increasingly recognised. Early rehabilitation allows patients to recover faster and to regain a better function following trauma. Patient rehabilitation requires teamwork. The medical staff and the patient’s relatives must be involved from the beginning, and communication is paramount, setting functional goals together and providing continuity of care. The physiotherapy treatment plan is designed considering the possible secondary complications as well as the expected disabilities resulting from the trauma. The role of the physiotherapist includes educating and encouraging the patient to be active in his own rehabilitation, prevent complications and help regain function and autonomy, improving the patient’s reintegration into society.