Group physiotherapy with survivors of torture in urban and camp settings in Jordan and Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: The Center for Victims of Torture has developed an interdisciplinary group treatment. The program is supported by a clinical assessment that records a broad set of indicators of participant experience and functioning. Methods: Survivors are identified through referral systems, community education and sensitization campaigns, contacts and trainings with other NGOs and health care providers. Following an informed consent process, survivors participate in a comprehensive individual assessment and then progress to a 10-week program.Wherever possible, follow-up assessments are conducted 2 weeks after the ses-sions end, and at 3, and 9 months following completion. Results: On average, participants who com-pleted 3-month follow-up assessments showed statistically and clinically significant improve-ments. Discussion: Provisional results are encour-aging. As nearly all participants receive both counseling and physiotherapy (PS), it is difficult to know which benefits can be attributed to PS alone.