THERAPY-Magazin
Global perspectives on rehabilitation
Explore worldwide developments in rehabilitation. Discover innovative therapies, cultural influences and the global challenges in providing equitable rehab access.
Lars Timm
International Sales Account Manager, THERA-Trainer
A critical journey through the world of therapies that aims to shed light on cultural diversity and innovative approaches.
In the next issues of our THERAPY magazine, you’ll be taken on an exciting journey to institutions that are driving innovation and changing people’s lives around the world. Get to know inspiring people overcoming challenges with determination and courage, and giving others hope. Get ready for a journey of discovery through the varied world of rehabilitation! Read this article for a taster of what to expect.
In our increasingly interconnected world, the importance of rehabilitation for the health and well-being of people worldwide is becoming ever clearer. From the rural communities of Africa to the urban centres of Asia – the challenges and opportunities in the field of rehabilitation are both diverse and fascinating. This series of articles invites you on a journey of discovery through various countries and continents to explore the multi-faceted landscape of rehabilitation. We will look at innovative approaches, cultural differences, challenges and successes in rehabilitation worldwide. Immerse yourself in the world of therapies with us, and be inspired by stories and progress from around the globe.
In our increasingly interconnected world, the importance of rehabilitation for the health and well-being of people worldwide is becoming ever clearer. From the rural communities of Africa to the urban centres of Asia – the challenges and opportunities in the field of rehabilitation are both diverse and fascinating. This series of articles invites you on a journey of discovery through various countries and continents to explore the multi-faceted landscape of rehabilitation. We will look at innovative approaches, cultural differences, challenges and successes in rehabilitation worldwide. Immerse yourself in the world of therapies with us, and be inspired by stories and progress from around the globe.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines rehabilitation as an appropriate measure to enable people with disabilities or physical impairments to achieve maximum independence. With full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, be it physically, mentally, socially or professionally.” (4)
The rehabilitation situation
Global rehabilitation is at a critical turning point. In many parts of the world, there is a growing realisation that promoting rehabilitation is an essential part of healthcare systems, and can bring economic benefits. Nevertheless, many countries face significant challenges such as limited resources, unequal access to rehabilitation and a shortage of skilled labour. The development and implementation of effective rehabilitation programmes varies greatly from region to region and from country to country. While some are making progress towards holistic rehabilitation, others are still lagging far behind. Nevertheless, a growing global movement is emerging in favour of comprehensive and inclusive rehabilitation to improve the quality of life and participation of people with disabilities or health conditions (WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative). It is time to take a closer look at the developments and challenges of global rehabilitation and to look for ways in which it can be further advanced.
Despite numerous efforts, the number of people who do not have access to rehabilitation is constantly increasing. This is largely due to the general ageing of the population and the associated increase in non-infectious diseases in society. The steadily increasing demand for therapists cannot currently be offset by training new staff (2). There are many reasons for this. There is a particularly high shortage of skilled labour in low-income countries. One reason for this could be the migration of skilled labour to countries with higher incomes. (1)
As the already difficult situation is likely to worsen significantly in the coming years, solutions must be found to ensure access to rehabilitation. One possible solution, particularly in middle- and high-income regions, is the use of new technologies that relieve the burden on therapists and at the same time enable optimal therapy.
Global rehabilitation is at a critical turning point. In many parts of the world, there is a growing realisation that promoting rehabilitation is an essential part of healthcare systems, and can bring economic benefits. Nevertheless, many countries face significant challenges such as limited resources, unequal access to rehabilitation and a shortage of skilled labour. The development and implementation of effective rehabilitation programmes varies greatly from region to region and from country to country. While some are making progress towards holistic rehabilitation, others are still lagging far behind. Nevertheless, a growing global movement is emerging in favour of comprehensive and inclusive rehabilitation to improve the quality of life and participation of people with disabilities or health conditions (WHO Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative). It is time to take a closer look at the developments and challenges of global rehabilitation and to look for ways in which it can be further advanced.
Despite numerous efforts, the number of people who do not have access to rehabilitation is constantly increasing. This is largely due to the general ageing of the population and the associated increase in non-infectious diseases in society. The steadily increasing demand for therapists cannot currently be offset by training new staff (2). There are many reasons for this. There is a particularly high shortage of skilled labour in low-income countries. One reason for this could be the migration of skilled labour to countries with higher incomes. (1)
As the already difficult situation is likely to worsen significantly in the coming years, solutions must be found to ensure access to rehabilitation. One possible solution, particularly in middle- and high-income regions, is the use of new technologies that relieve the burden on therapists and at the same time enable optimal therapy.
“Global health and functional capability promote inclusion and support participation, allowing children to learn and adults to earn, escape from poverty and the basis for long-term and sustainable economic development.”(3)
Rehabilitation worldwide is at a turning point. Despite a shortage of resources and skilled labour, innovative approaches for comprehensive rehabilitation are gaining ground.
Rehabilitation is becoming increasingly important worldwide in a networked world. From Africa’s rural communities to Asia’s urban centres, we are facing many challenges and opportunities.
Ambulante Rehabilitation
Fachkreise
Stationäre Rehabilitation
Technology & Development
THERAPY 2024-I
THERAPY Magazine
Lars Timm
International Sales Account Manager, THERA-Trainer
Lars Timm studied Sports
Science with a focus on
rehabilitation in Freiburg i.Br.
and M.Sc. Sports Engineering
at KIT Karlsruhe.
References:
- Blacklock, C., Ward, A. M., Heneghan, C., & Thompson, M. (2014). Exploring the migration decisions of health workers and trainees from Africa: A meta-ethnographic synthesis. Social Science & Medicine, 100, 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.10.032
- Cieza, A., Causey, K., Kamenov, K., Hanson, S. W., Chatterji, S., & Vos, T. (2020). Global estimates of the need for rehabilitation based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet, 396(10267), 2006–2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32340-0
- Mishra, S., Gosling, J., Laplante-Lévesque, A., Zapata, T., & Azzopardi Muscat, N. (2023). The need for rehabilitation services in the WHO EuropeanRegion is substantial and growing. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, 24, 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100550
- World Health Organization & World Bank. (2011). World report on disability 2011. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/44575
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