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
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