To evaluate the impact of a specialist ICU training programme for Ukrainian physiotherapists.To evaluate the impact of a specialist ICU training programme for Ukrainian physiotherapists.
The comprehensive ICU physiotherapy training has been developed, as a part of War Trauma Rehabilitation initiative led by CF Patients of Ukraine, in 3 stages between October 2023- May 2024. Stage 1: 5-week online weekly theory and case study sessions, followed by Stage 2: 2-day low-resources face-to-face practical skills training in Ukraine and Stage 3: Low and high-fidelity simulation training. The clinical visits to an ICU in the NHS hospital in the UK has been also organised. The participants provided anonymised feedback. The feedback was reported as Likert scale or analysed thematically.
Twenty five participants (20 physiotherapist with experience of work in ICU) completed online course, 26 face-to-face practical skills (23 Physiotherapists, 2 doctors (physical rehabilitation), 1 Occupational therapist) and 10 simulation training.
Stage 1 & 2: online and face-2-face
Participants highly appreciated the training, with most scoring it 5 out of 5 (n=25). All participants noted that the amount of information provided was sufficient to learn practical skills. Among the most useful topics were the active cycle of breathing techniques, interpretation of arterial blood gases analysis, positioning and early mobilisation. The feedback indicated that participants appreciated the opportunity to learn and found training useful and motivating.
Stage 3: Simulation training and clinical visits
The participants felt grateful for the opportunity, motivated to change practice. They also felt inspiration and excitement. Four key themes have been identified. New knowledge and practical experience (subthemes: Knowledge, patient-centred approach, use of outcome measures), Teaching approach (subthemes: Use of simulation, case-based clinical reasoning, education system), Professional development and leadership (subthemes: Understanding healthcare system, Need for Professional development, Need to develop protocols), Research in education and healthcare.
The comprehensive training facilitated the rapid training of ICU skills and interventions for Ukrainian physiotherapists. The programme also developed the four pillars of practice – clinical skills, education, leadership and research. In future the inclusion of ICU training in undergraduate physiotherapy programmes would build on the current developments. Future research should aim to evaluate behavioural change and service development within physiotherapy practice in Ukraine.
This evaluation indicated the successful implementation of a comprehensive ICU physiotherapy training programme when developed as part of a collaboration of physiotherapy clinical experts, academic partners, charitable and non-governmental organisations to support the Ukrainian war effort.
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