A new article published by the Physiopedia team has looked at the impact of a massive open online course (MOOC) in preparing rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of forcibly displaced persons. This publication is open access and available here.
The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has reached over 89.3 million and the challenges faced by displaced individuals can be unique and complex compared to other patient populations. Rehabilitation for displaced persons is a crucial aspect of humanitarian aid yet access to physical rehabilitation services can be limited due to a variety of factors, including a shortage of trained healthcare providers. To assist in the global training of rehabilitation professionals to address these unique needs a free MOOC was developed by Physiopedia as a ReLAB-HS activity. Over 8 weeks hundreds of learners from 86 countries took part in the MOOC to learn more about the impact of displacement on health and wellbeing.
To assess the impact, this recent study explored self-perceived knowledge following completion of courses within the MOOC, ability to implement changes in practice and participant engagement with the MOOC content. The study summarised that the MOOC effectively delivered the fundamental knowledge to address the complex needs of displaced individuals among a diverse group of practicing rehabilitation professionals and can play a role in preparing the rehabilitation workforce for increased population displacement, alongside specialist programmes in related themes.
The MOOC content is still available as a comprehensive programme of 15 courses on Physiopedia Plus (Plus). The Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons Programme and resources, including recordings of two live webinars, are available to all Plus members. If you live in a low or low-middle income country (or are a student anywhere) make sure you apply for your free or discounted access to Plus.
Physiopedia Plus is a subscription site that offers internationally accredited continuing education and professional development opportunities for the global rehabilitation community in 6 languages.
Your subscription fees fund the Physiopedia charity website to keep it updated and openly accessible to all.
Your subscription also provides FREE access to Plus for rehabilitation professionals in low income countries.
There are discounts available depending on where you live and for students.
Physiopedia Plus is a subscription site that offers internationally accredited continuing education and professional development opportunities for the global rehabilitation community in 6 languages.
Your subscription fees fund the Physiopedia charity website to keep it updated and openly accessible to all.
Your subscription also provides FREE access to Plus for rehabilitation professionals in low income countries.
There are also discounts available depending on where you live and for students.