Strengthening Clinical Skills with a Specialised Training Program in Ukraine

As conflict escalated in Ukraine, the need for rehabilitation services surged dramatically, particularly for treating war-related injuries including traumatic injuries, burns, and wounds. Responding to this crisis, Physiopedia led the development and implementation of an innovative clinical skills training program that aligned with priorities set by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health.

Using the Clinical Skills Training Tool (CSTT), a comprehensive 8-month hybrid training program was designed and implemented from August 2023 to April 2024. Under the guidance of international mentor Angela Patterson and national coordinator Olha Kovalachuk, the program brought together rehabilitation professionals from eight different regions across Ukraine, many of whom were leaders of rehabilitation centres.

The program exemplified effective use of the CSTT’s Plan-Do-Assess-Adjust model through:

• Careful planning that identified participant needs and appropriate delivery methods
• Implementation combining online learning through Physiopedia Plus with twice-monthly virtual mentoring sessions
• Integration of simultaneous Ukrainian translation to ensure full engagement
• Regular assessment and adjustment of content to meet emerging needs

Key achievements include:

• Delivery of specialised courses covering critical areas such as rehabilitation of fractures, burns, and wounds in conflict settings
• Official accreditation of all courses by the Testing Board in collaboration with the Ukrainian Physical Therapists Association
• Recognition of certificates for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points
• Development of sustainable mentorship networks among participants
• Creation of an active online community for ongoing professional exchange
• Cascade training effect as participants shared new knowledge and skills with colleagues at their facilities, extending the program’s impact throughout Ukraine’s rehabilitation sector

The program demonstrated how the CSTT can guide the development of context-specific training that combines international expertise with local leadership. This approach proved particularly valuable in a conflict setting where rehabilitation needs are rapidly evolving and access to professional development opportunities is limited.

If you would like to learn more about developing clinical skills training programs using the CSTT, please contact us.