In Bangladesh, a shortage of trained therapists outside of Dhaka city means that the majority of the population is unable to access therapy services. The cost of therapy is also prohibitive for most People with Disabilities (PWDs), and there is limited awareness of the role therapy can play to help PWDs in improving their quality of life and independence. Grassroots Therapy Provider Training is therefore offered by BPKS to help to meet the basic needs of people with disabilities and others at the grassroots level. Training and follow-up is provided to the Therapy Providers by qualified physiotherapists and occupational therapists working at BPKS.
By training members of local communities in basic therapy, disabled people and others in villages can access therapy services at low cost. Providing therapy training and services at the local level also raises community awareness about this type of health service. This means that many patients who would not have otherwise known of therapy treatments can benefit from this service and go on to realise their potential in all aspects of their life. In the first 6 months of 2007, more than 600 people received therapy services from BPKS therapists, with additional services provided by therapy providers to over more 300 people.
Objectives
To ensure that therapy can be provided at the grassroots level by providing training in therapy service delivery to local participants.
To train local participants in basic therapy and update and review skills of those that are already providing therapy to PWDs.
To establish Grassroots Therapy Centers at the local level to enable provision of basic therapy services for common conditions (cerebral palsy, club foot, stroke).
To facilitates referral to qualified therapists/medical staff /technicians when the need arises. Eg. Fitting of orthosis/prosthesis or intensive rehabilitation.
To provide basic Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to children and adults with physical disabilities/conditions in their local communities.
To provide ongoing training and follow-up to therapy providers to ensure service quality.
To raise and sustain awareness about therapy in local communities.
Participants
The participants are interested community members who will work at the grassroots level in different areas around Bangladesh. Participants must be educated to SSC level (Year 10) to be eligible for the course.
The course
The original course was facilitated by an Australian Volunteer physiotherapist and subsequently reviewed by an Australian Volunteer occupational therapist. Locally qualified physio- and occupational therapists are responsible for the training of participants according to the course content.
The course focuses on the treatment of physical conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy and club foot, but also includes basic management techniques for sensory and intellectual impairmentss. The content includes physiotherapy (exercise based treatment) and occupational therapy (activities of daily living based treatment) and a minimal component of basic speech therapy. The course also teaches appropriate use of assistive devices such as walking aids, wheelchairs and special seating and simple methods of environmental adaptation.
On successful completion of the training, participants are able to work as therapy providers offering basic therapy. Basic equipment is provided by BPKS to assist in providing therapy.
To date, almost 100 people have received therapy provider training in 11 districts across the country.
Follow
up
Refresher training is held six months after the initial therapy training course is completed.
The BPKS therapists make visits to the local areas after the completion of training. During these visits, they meet with the therapy providers and conduct patient assessment and treatment sessions, including conducting home visits when required. The follow up visits are also used to monitor and evaluate the service.
The Future
BPKS aims to expand the therapy program, under the supervision of its qualified therapists, to all districts of Bangladesh. BPKS hopes that the course will be recognized for its contribution to the health needs of Bangladesh's mostly rural population.
Home
Based Therapy Providers
after successfully completing
3 months' training
on Physiotherapy at Noakhali
PSID Center in 2005
Activities
