Stage One of PREP is Complete

We have completed the initial stages of The Physiotherapy and Refugees Education Project!

Below is an interview with Djenana Jalovcic and Rachael Lowe reflecting on and discussing the first part of the project. This interview breaks down each key part of the first stage of the project; the scoping review, expert panel and informant interviews, explaining the findings and why these matter. We both then move through to what we have learned so far and begin to discuss the next stage of the project.

The knowledge we have gathered from stage one of the project is truly impressive and will go on to shape clinical practice for Physiotherapists working with refugees for decades to come. The outcomes of this project will be relevant to everyone around the world not just for clinicians working in the northern hemisphere or in western countries and this is what we are most proud of.

PREP Stage One – Djenana Jalovcic from Physioplus on Vimeo.

What is Next For PREP?

The next step is shaping the knowledge from stage one around clinical competencies and then finally into a curriculum. After this a Physiopedia led online course will be created to facilitate learning and completion of the competencies.

Why is PREP Important?

The demography of Europe is changing. There is a significant migration of refugees fleeing violence and persecution who make the tortuous journey towards Europe. While many arrive through Greece and along the Mediterranean coast, the goal of the displaced populations is not to remain there. Most make their way to Scandinavia seeking a better life, employment, education and acceptance.

Due to the tortuous conditions in their home country as well as the toll of the journey across Europe, the refugees are likely to be suffer from poor overall health. They are also susceptible to picking up diseases and illnesses along the way during their battle to safety.

From a rehabilitation and health perspective this population struggle to have their health needs met in their new countries, particularly from a physiotherapy perspective. As a profession we know very little about the knowledge, skills and competencies that we need to enable our colleagues around the continent to help those who who really need us.

Follow the PREP on Twitter and on the PREP website.