A Comprehensive Review of Rehabilitation Regulation in Ukraine

In response to Ukraine’s evolving healthcare landscape and increasing rehabilitation needs, Physiopedia led a thorough analysis of the regulatory environment for four key rehabilitation professions: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Speech and Language Therapy. This project utilised the Professionalization and Regulation Reflection Tool (PRRT) to systematically examine the current state, challenges, and opportunities for each profession.

Under the guidance of international mentor Yara Peterko and national coordinator Olha Kovalchuk, the project brought together diverse stakeholders including professional associations, educational institutions, and government ministries. This collaborative approach enabled a comprehensive understanding of each profession’s unique situation while identifying common challenges and opportunities across the rehabilitation sector.

Key achievements include:

• Development of a detailed situational analysis examining the regulatory landscape from February 2023 to October 2024
• Creation of strong interprofessional networks and collaboration channels
• Enhanced engagement between professional associations and government ministries
• Identification of specific challenges and opportunities for each profession
• Development of actionable recommendations for strengthening regulatory frameworks
• Establishment of connections with international professional bodies, particularly the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)

The analysis revealed several critical findings:

• The need for clearer professional identity and scope definitions
• Opportunities to strengthen educational standards and pathways
• The importance of unified professional associations within each discipline
• Common challenges in establishing continuing professional development frameworks
• The value of interprofessional collaboration in advocacy efforts

This project demonstrated how systematic analysis using the PRRT can guide professional development and regulatory advancement while fostering collaboration across rehabilitation disciplines. The resulting situational analysis provides a roadmap for strengthening Ukraine’s rehabilitation workforce through improved regulation and professional standards.

If you would like to learn more about this analysis or discuss similar projects using the PRRT, please contact us.