Doctor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

In order to carry out therapeutic activities, a doctor of physical and rehabilitation medicine has theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following matters:

1. in general rehabilitation:

1.1. basic principles of rehabilitation, functioning and its assessment according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health;

1.2. organization of the rehabilitation system at all stages of rehabilitation, leading a multiprofessional rehabilitation team, setting rehabilitation goals, developing an individual rehabilitation plan, managing the rehabilitation process and evaluating the results, social foundations of the organization of the rehabilitation system and ethical aspects in rehabilitation;

1.3. physiology and pathological physiology: central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system, musculoskeletal system, neuromuscular connections, biomechanics, physiology of posture and gait, mechanisms of pain, interaction of pain and movement;

1.4. biopsychosocial assessment: child development, joint and muscle assessment, motor and sensory function, cognitive and communication functions, laboratory and instrumental examination methods, gait, posture, movement quantitative and qualitative assessment methods, electrophysiological examination methods, pulmonological and cardiovascular functional assessment, biochemical and pathological tests, functional assessment tools;

1.5. assessment of predictable disabilities, disabilities, working abilities, interaction between person and environment;

2.2. medical interventions for restoration or improvement of body functions or structures (including drug therapy, various methods of drug administration) in the following clinical condition:

2.2.1. prolonged bed rest, immobilization and other conditions that cause limitations in physical and psychological functioning;

2.2.2. damage to motor functions, causing paralysis/paresis and limitations in personal functioning;

2.2.3. spasticity;

2.2.4. bladder and intestinal tract dysfunctions;

2.2.5. bed sores as a consequence of immobility;

2.2.6. dysphagia;

2.2.7. pain syndromes;

2.2.8. lymphedema;

2.2.9. communication disorders;

2.2.10. sexuality and sexual dysfunction;

2.2.11. changes in mood, behavior and personality;

2.2.12. developmental disorders;

2.3. physical therapy and spa therapy (balneology);

2.4. knowledge of technologies used in physical and rehabilitation medicine:

2.4.1. physiotherapy – kinesiotherapy, manual therapy, biofeedback therapy, massage;

2.4.2. occupational therapy – assessment of daily activities and occupations, environmental assessment methods, ergonomics, hand therapy, principles and methods of occupational therapy;

2.4.3. audiology - evaluation of communication and alternative communication possibilities, evaluation and correction of speech disorders, evaluation of cochlear implants and management of dysphagia;

2.4.4. correction of nutritional status;

2.4.5. neuropsychological management;

2.4.6. clinical psychology;

2.4.7. assistive technologies used in rehabilitation (technical aids);

2.4.8. social integration technologies;

2.4.9. rapid therapy;

2.5. organization and management of preventive, curative and rehabilitation measures based on diagnosis and functional impairment:

2.5.1. in neurology and neurosurgery;

2.5.2. in internal medicine;

2.5.3. in oncology;

2.5.4. in orthopedics and traumatology;

2.5.5. in surgery;

2.5.6. in psychiatry;

2.5.7. in sports medicine;

2.5.8. in pediatrics;

2.5.9. gerontology;

2.6. clinical epidemiology and research;

2.7. adaptive sports and recreational activities;

2.8. patient education, health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation;

2.9. legal bases of professional activity.

*The description was taken from https://likumi.lv/ta/id/190610-noteikumi-par-arstniecibas-personu-un-studejoso-kuri-apgust-pirma-vai-otra-limena-profesionalas-augstakas-mediciniskas-izglitib

Physiotherapist

The competence of a physiotherapist is:

1. examination of the patient's functional condition, evaluation and analysis of the obtained data, preparation of the physiotherapist's opinion on the patient's functional condition;

2. help the patient recover the lost function, reduce its deficiency or compensate for it, by purposefully choosing and using therapeutic exercise methods, manual therapy methods, massage and physical therapy methods (electric procedures, thermal procedures, water procedures) as part of the overall rehabilitation plan, as well as helping to choose and train to use the necessary technical aids;

3. carrying out health promotion and prevention measures within the specialty, including public educational work;

4. work in a multiprofessional rehabilitation team.

In order to perform the therapeutic activity, the physiotherapist has theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following matters:

1. purposeful assessment of the patient's functional condition using examination methods used in physiotherapy, analysis and interpretation of the obtained data;

2. preparation of a physiotherapeutic opinion and determination of long-term and short-term therapeutic goals of therapy based on it;

3. planning and implementation of the rehabilitation program according to the physiotherapeutic assessment and therapeutic goals;

4. use of medical devices and technologies used in physiotherapy in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and functional disorders;

5. contact and cooperation with other specialists involved in the therapy process and the patient's relatives;

6. ethical and legal foundations of professional activity.

Medical Tourism Expert

THTC Latvia Network Office Director

Essential Skills for Medical Tourism Professionals:

1.Cultural Competency and Language Skills:

Effective communication and cultural sensitivity are crucial in the medical tourism industry. Professionals must be able to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally appropriate care. Developing strong language skills and a deep understanding of cultural nuances can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and outcomes.

2.Knowledge of Legal and Ethical Issues:

Navigating the complex legal and ethical landscape of cross-border healthcare is a critical skill for medical tourism professionals. A comprehensive understanding of international healthcare regulations, patient rights, and ethical considerations can help professionals avoid potential pitfalls and ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care.

3.Quality and Patient Safety:

Ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services is paramount in the medical tourism industry. Professionals must be well-versed in quality management, patient safety protocols, and risk management strategies to identify and address potential hazards and maintain the highest standard of care.

4.Marketing and Business Development:

To succeed in the competitive medical tourism market, professionals must possess strong marketing and business development skills. Developing effective marketing strategies, identifying target markets, and leveraging digital platforms can help professionals attract international patients and drive business growth.

5.Customer Service and Patient Experience:

Providing an exceptional patient experience is critical to the success of any medical tourism business. Professionals must excel in customer service and patient experience management to create a positive, memorable experience for their patients, resulting in increased patient satisfaction and loyalty.

*The description was taken from https://www.magazine.medicaltourism.com/article/developing-essential-skills-for-medical-tourism-professionals-a-guide-to-effective-training