Innovative Techniques for Medical Rehabilitation in Developing Countries

Zusammenfassung

Die Behandlung der leprösen Neuropathie kann als Rehabilitationsprozess mit kombinierten Interventionen angesehen werden. Dabei hat der Rehabilitationsprozess selbst verschiedene Phasen, die mittels spezieller Methoden überwacht und ausgewertet werden können. Rehabilitative Eingriffe werden normalerweise eher von Teams als von Einzelpersonen ausgeführt, wobei Zielsetzung und Planung idealerweise auch interdisziplinär erfolgen sollten. Die behinderte bzw. von einer Funktionseinschränkung betroffene Person sollte am Prozess beteiligt sein und diesen auch so schnell wie möglich selbständig übernehmen. Für einzelne Betroffene kann Rehabilitation ein lebenslanger Prozess mit ständiger Behandlung werden. Andere wiederum können von einem einmaligen Eingriff, wie beispielsweise einer rekonstruktiven Operation oder Verordnung einer Prothese, entscheidend profitieren. Die medizinischen Eingriffe und die sozialen Reintegrationsprozesse sollten schließlich zu einem sinnvollen und erfüllten Leben in Familie und Gesellschaft zurückführen. Dabei ist die Erhebung der Lebensqualität sowie die Patientenzufriedenheit als Bezugsgröße bei der Auswertung des Rehabilitationsprozesses sinnvoll.

Abstract

The management of neuropathy in leprosy is a rehabilitative process of combined interventions. The rehabilitation process itself has separate phases, which can be monitored and evaluated by certain instruments. Actions for rehabilitation are carried out by a team rather than by independent individuals and goal setting and planning are ideally also done in an interdisciplinary approach. The person affected by disability or activity limitation should participate and become the owner of the process as soon as possible. For some affected people, rehabilitation can become a life-long process of continuing interventions. In other cases a rehabilitative procedure, such as reconstructive surgery or a prosthesis, can make a life-changing difference. Medical interventions and social reintegration may eventually lead to the adaptation of a new fulfilling role for the individual in family and society. Evaluation of the individual's quality of life and satisfaction are needed to define the final outcome of the rehabilitation.

Schlüsselwörter

Neuropathie - Lepra - Rehabilitation - Entwicklungsländer

Key words

Neuropathy - leprosy - rehabilitation - developing countries

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