The project aimed to enhance post-operative PT services for inpatients at MoH hospitals, focusing on improving continuity of care from acute surgical treatment to physical rehabilitation. This initiative sought to integrate physiotherapy services into the MoH emergency plan. Four specific objectives were defined: re-organizing physiotherapy departments, enhancing quality of physiotherapy services, integrating PTs into medical team and improving patient referrals to appropriate services after discharge. Additionally, project aimed to promote sustainable service delivery by lobbying at MOH level.
The project was reviewed periodically by both ICRC and ministerial levels through discussions, planning tools, training, mentorships and qualitative & quantitative reporting. The project was reviewed periodically by both ICRC and ministerial levels through discussions, planning tools, training, mentorships and qualitative & quantitative reporting. The project was reviewed periodically by both ICRC and ministerial levels through discussions, planning tools, training, mentorships and qualitative & quantitative reporting.
The ICRC-led project (2008 to 2013) significantly enhanced inpatient physiotherapy in six Gaza hospitals by expanding physiotherapy spaces, trainings, equipment donations, increasing staffing, and raising recognition of PT roles.
These advancements were evident during Gaza’s escalations, PTs effectively intervened amidst overcrowding and a surge in surgical admissions. They adapted during hospital evacuations, reactivating services alongside hospital staff, whether reopening facilities or providing care in alternative field hospitals.
PTs coordinated early treatment, providing 5,000 mobility aids, which facilitated immediate patient care and rapid discharge. They organized post-discharge plans, allowing surgical staff to focus on critical cases. This collaborative approach between PTs and surgical teams improved multidisciplinary teamwork, helping to manage the high workload and stress associated with the conflict.
All the objectives of the 2008 to 2013 ICRC project were successfully achieved, leading to the provision of high-quality physiotherapy services across six hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
This was accomplished through effective administrative, appropriate use of equipment, patient follow-up, continuous professional development, and enhanced professional recognition.
These advancements were particularly evident during the ongoing conflict since October 2023, as physiotherapists successfully took on new roles and responsibilities, notably during hospital evacuations, hospitals’ reoperations, as well as their vital support for field hospitals.
This type of project is particularly important in contexts where emergencies are recurrent and where hospital physiotherapy is underdeveloped but greatly needed for early rehabilitation which allows optimal bed occupancy.
Physiotherapy
Emergency
