Paediatric physiotherapist witnessed a paradigm shift in the care of children at the just concluded proficiency workshop hosted recently by the department of physiotherapy , University of Port Harcourt Teaching hospital.
The workshop which opened for participant across the country had the theme “Developing competency and proficiency in management of paediatric condition”. This availed participates the opportunity to be trained by a seasoned paediatric physiotherapist with a wealth of experience in caring for children with physiotherapy needs.
According to the World Health Organization, “rehabilitation expands our focus in healthcare beyond preventative and curative care to ensuring that children, adults and older adults with a health condition can remain as independent as possible and participate in education, work and meaningful life roles”.
In line with this and in accord with the vision of the hospital which includes providing excellent medical services, manpower training and research, using well-trained and well motivated workforce, the institution saw it fit to organize a specialized training for Physiotherapists who play a key role in rehabilitation , with special interest in paediatric care.
It was an intensive and practical 3 day workshop that lasted from Wednesday 19th through Friday 21st of June, 2024 .
The formal opening ceremony for the workshop was graced with the presence of the chief host , the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Henry A. Ugboma represented by the CMAC, Prof. Datonye Alasia who declared the workshop opened by appreciating the physiotherapy department, their various units, participants and key players for holding for organizing the specialized training. He assured the department of management’s commitment to the completion of the new physiotherapy complex before the end of the year.
Physiotherapists from across the country registered and participated in the workshop as it was facilitated with an icon of neuropaediatric physiotherapy with over 30 years of experience; Dr. Anjorin Uthman Olayiwola.
Dr. Anjorin Uthman during the workshop emphasized on the need for a paradigm shift in Physiotherapy care beyond the realm of just physical recovery to community re-integration and participation. One of the keynotes of the workshop was enlightening the participants that assessment was not just a tool for diagnosis but is an intervention in itself.
Furthermore, Dr. Anjorin taught the participants that rehabilitation goes beyond remedying an impairment to improving function. To further drive his points home, Dr. Anjorin took out time to review with the paediatric team several patients in the department and demonstrated the effectiveness of functional assessment and intervention. Participants were opportuned to ask questions concerning their practice and Dr. Anjorin gracefully and systematically allayed their fears and doubts with practical engagement. At the end of the training it was obvious that 3 days was not enough however participant were made to understand that constant practice in paediatric care will aid specialization. The gains of the workshop was the excitement and the thrills of the discoveries encountered in the workshop, and also the boosting of competence and confidence in every participant to redefine paediatric physiotherapy practice locally and internationally.
The Department of Physiotherapy acknowledged and appreciated the CMD for his unwavering support to the success of the workshop and the growth of the department. They also commended the CMAC, Prof. Datonye Alasia for his support , as he took out time, from his busy schedule to register his presence at the workshop.
The department also acknowledged the efforts of the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy; Dr. Ubom I. M. (PhD) and the Deputy Director of Education, Research and Training for the department; Dr. Onyekwere Chuks, for putting together the workshop intended to develop proficiency and specialization in paediatric physiotherapy.
- Helen M. Douglas
