Mary,
Soiunds like an interesting challenge. In that part of the world, Take a
great pair of Hands - they will be your best and reliable therapeutic tool.
If you need electro, take some battery powered, portable units (durable and
low maintenance). Good stock of theraband would be nice. Hot packs and
cold(that may not be a problem) may help. Keep it simple yet functional.You
might also check the military (mountain training schools) for advice. Good
Luck!!
Rege
At 05:09 PM 10/16/2001 +0530, you wrote:
>I have been asked to help design the rehabilitation component of a
>200 bed accident and trauma centre in Kathmandu. Expected
>patient length of stay is approximately one week.There is funding
>for the initial equipment, but will be little money for ongoing
>supplies or maintenance.
>
>I have been asked to comment on the needed size, location
>staffing and setup of the dept, as well as the latest, "state of the art
>gadgets". I feel strongly that state of the art will not work well in
>Nepal, as maintenance is an issue, as is the fact that the patient
>tends to look upon electrotherapy as "magic" and I feel becomes
>unlikely to take ownership of their own rehabilitation. Another factor
>in making me hesitate to recommend high tech electrotherapy
>equipment is the fact that the staff likely to be using electrotherapy
>equipment have very variable (and sometimes minimal) physio
>training.
>
>I have lots more questions, but will leave it at this, and hopefully
>communicate directly with whomever offers to help.
>
>Thanks a lot.
>
>
>
>Mary Martin BSR(PT/OT)
>Rehabilitation Facilitator
>United Mission to Nepal
>Kathmandu, Nepal
>
>
Rege Turocy, DHCE, PT
Assistant Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Rangos School of Health Sciences
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412/396-5545
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