Rehabilitation professionals from various fields gathered in Pakistan this month to engage in hands-on training and exchange expertise in caring for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
A hands-on training session focusing on SCI took place at the Paraplegic Centre Peshawar (PCP), bringing together 14 rehabilitation professionals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh provinces. This three-day session marked the inaugural in-person event in Pakistan under the ReLAB-HS Clinical Skills Training Programme. Participants, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetists/orthotists, benefited from the guidance of local PCP experts, with facilitation by Neelum Zehra, an occupational therapist and Physiopedia Representative in Pakistan.
Before the practical training, all attendees completed the online Physiopedia Plus Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Programme to cover the theoretical foundations. The in-person session then focused on refining technical and hands-on skills for assessing and managing SCI patients using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. Through working with volunteer patients and experienced facilitators, participants prioritised skill development, utilising equipment available at the PCP, a unique centre in the region.
“It was a great learning experience, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the facilitators and organising team. We successfully achieved our goals and gained valuable practical experience in interdisciplinary rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients. I’d like to thank all the participants for the wonderful time we spent together, learning from each other and gaining insights into their work and field. “
The opportunity for face-to-face interaction was particularly valued by participants, offering a multidisciplinary perspective uncommon in Pakistan, especially across provinces. Moreover, they highlighted the collaborative spirit fostered through prior online mentoring sessions and discussions within the Rehabilitation Community group.
This interactive training session exemplifies a successful hybrid approach to interprofessional learning for rehabilitation professionals. It follows similar in-person sessions held this month in Burma and Uganda, underlining the global importance of these collaborative efforts.
