Occupational therapists reviewing practical skills for assessing clients with a spinal cord injury. Photo courtesy of Physiopedia

Inspiring occupational therapists in Uganda with in-person clinical skills training on spinal cord injury

  • Health workers
  • Learning
  • Physiopedia
  • Rehabilitation
  • Strengthening health systems
  • Uganda
June 28, 2024

By Lucy Aird for ReLAB-HS

In collaboration with the Uganda Association of Occupational Therapists (UAOT), Learning, Acting, and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) recently delivered a hybrid learning program for occupational therapists on the management of spinal cord injuries (SCI). The program provided knowledge and practical skills training designed to strengthen these professionals’ rehabilitation practices, enabling them to effectively support clients in Uganda with SCI.

Held May 2-3, 2024, the two-day, in-person collaborative clinical skills training workshop brought together 19 Ugandan occupational therapists. ReLAB-HS partner, Physiopedia, facilitated the workshop, orienting participants to the Clinical Skills Training Tool of the International Rehabilitation Education and Training Toolkit (IRETT) to support their education and training activities. The sessions then focused on occupational therapy assessment and treatment of clients with SCI, including the provision of assistive technology.

A highlight of the workshop for participants was the opportunity to visit a spinal ward for hands-on experience observing and assessing SCI clients. Incorporating this practical element into the training enabled participants to contextualize the information they had learned during online study via Physiopedia Plus courses, coursework, and mentoring sessions, and was a highly valued session for putting skills into practice.

Thanks to their commitment and engagement throughout this hybrid training, these occupational therapists came away with an improved understanding of the evaluation process and interventions for SCI clients. They now have the knowledge and skills to better serve their clients.

This was the first time these occupational therapists had been able to access this kind of hybrid SCI training, including an in-person practical training session. Following its success, the UAOT now plans to hold regular practical training sessions for members, supported by online learning through Physiopedia Plus.