role of physical therapy in haitian disaster relief · haitian disaster relief overview of medical...

Role of Physical Therapy in Haitian Disaster ReliefOverview of medical rehabilitation perspectives in

relief efforts

David CHARLES, PT2011

This presentation is the property of David Charles and should not be copied or otherwise used without express written permission of the author.

DescriptionThis presentation is specifically for Physical Therapists and is designed for Rehabilitations Services staff as members of the health team in the event of disaster. The presentation explains the role of the Physical Therapist in disaster.


Objectives• Recognize the Need for Adequate Physical

Therapy Services following the earthquake in Haiti

• Assess the Physical Therapy Structure in Haiti

• Maintain open communication with PT colleagues in order to be prepared for future disasters.

• Recognize skills which should be included This presentation is the property of David Charles and should not be copied or otherwise used without express written permission of the author.

Outline•Overview of Haiti•Physical Therapy Resources in Haiti before the

Earthquake•Physical Therapy Needs in Haiti before the

Earthquake•Physical Therapy Needs in Hopital Albert

Schweitzer/Haiti after the Earthquake•Meeting Rehabilitation and Disability needs.•Current Coordination of Physical Therapy

Services


Overview of Haiti Haiti Facts• Capital: Port-au-Prince (2-3 million

residents)• Land: 27,560 sq km • Ethnic groups: black 95%, mulatto and

white 5%• Life expectancy at birth: 60 years (U.S. 78)• Religions: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant

16% note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo


• People with Disability:800,000 before the quake; 194,000-250,000 people were injured in the earthquake, from which many will suffer a long term disability!

• 2,000- 4,000 new amputees after the quake


Physical Therapy Resources in Haiti Before the Earthquake

• Hospital Albert Schweitzer (Artibonite Valley)• Healing Hands for Haiti (Port-au-Prince)• Foyer Saint-Camille (Port-au- Prince)• Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs Kay Saint Germain (Port-au-

Prince)• Physicians without Borders (MSF)-(Port-au-Prince)• St. Vincent’s School (Port-au-Prince)• Snerrose Clinic (Ouanaminthe)• Pazapa (Jacmel)• Hopital Lumiere (Cayes)• Hopital de l’OFATMA (Port-au-Prince)• Cange Hospital ( Centre)


Rehabilitation Needs in HaitiBefore the Earthquake

CONCEPTUALIZATION OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN HAITI

• Congenital/Pediatrics (cerebral palsy, spina bifida and developmental delay).

• Traumatic/Surgical (motor vehicle accidents, falls, burns and abdominal/thoracic surgery).

• Medical (cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) and HIV/AIDS)

• Orthopedic (Low back/Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, osteoarthritis etc..)


PT needs in Hopital Albert Schweitzer/Haiti after the

Earthquake• Immediate Needs (1-2 months): – SCI– Fractures– Amputations– Traumatic Head injuries– Crushing injuries– Other types of trauma



Earthquake

• Intermediate Needs (6 months)– Amputees with Prostheses– SCI– Fractures as Outpatients



Earthquake

• Current Needs (1 year later)– Amputees with skin issues, mobility issues

and Fitness.– SCI (mobility and Skin)– Femur Fracture (Leg discrepancy)


• Due to the Lack of PT professionals in Haiti, the needs were met by Volunteers from the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.

• Most helpful therapists are those who could work with the Haitian system and provide sustainable services, education and assistance.

• Therapists who speak French or Creole were more effective as they did not need a translator


Current Coordination of Physical Therapy Services

• An expatriate PT as Haitian delegate to NACR meeting before the Earthquake

• National Working Group (Coordination Group)– 15 NGOs and health ministry began meeting on

February 2010– Prostheses, SCI, W/C, Training programs

• Haitian Physical Therapy Association (18 PTs)– Started meeting on February 2010– Still in conceptual phase This presentation is the property of David Charles and should not be copied or otherwise used without express written permission of the author.

Current Services at Hopital Albert Schweitzer

• Rehab Services– Outpatients– Inpatients

• Hanger Prosthetic Clinic• Community based Rehab Services• Third Class of the Rehabilitation

Technician Training Program in Partnership with HVO


Reflections of a Haitian PT• Training /Capacity Building (Haitians

Helping Haitians)• Donor commitment to the long term

needs of people with disability to ensure the provision of appropriate resources.

• Encourage national standards and implementations.

• Strengthen Haitian PTs in promoting the profession in Haiti.


Challenges and Needs• Restricted Resources Lack of PTs Lack of Equipment Lack of Finances

• Coordination of Services • Knowledge

– Triage (Classify- Identify accurately and efficiently)– Basic Nursing Knowledge– Wound Management– First Aid: Vital signs- IV’s– Immobilization/Temporary splinting– Chest Physical Therapy


Ways you can help• Monetary Donations• Investigate Needs of an Established

Organization which match your skills• Volunteer for sustainable Projects• Make a Long Term Commitment• Do not bring equipment that is not

Requested


References• http://www.huffingtonpost.com• www.operationgivingback.facs.org/..• Hopital Albert Schweitzer -Database


THANK YOU

MESI ANPILThis presentation is the property of David Charles and should not be copied or otherwise used without express written permission of the author.

role of physical therapy in haitian disaster relief · haitian disaster relief overview of medical...

Documents