Physical and rehabilitation medicine training center in Split, Croatia: striving to achieve excellence in education of a rehabilitation team

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this manuscript is to describe recent changes in rehabilitation medicine education in Croatia, and to highlight the effort that was made at University of Split School of Medicine, as well as at University Hospital Split in order to improve training in rehabilitation medicine. Method: Critical collection and study of pertinent data on evolvement and present state of physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) education in Croatia. Results: Education in physical medicine and rehabilitation in Croatia was mainly focused on rheumatology rather than rehabilitation. In order to satisfy the new standards set for quality of rehabilitation medicine national curriculum reform was made for medical students, specialist and physiotherapists and new rehabilitation medicine training centers were established throughout the country. Conclusions: Academic setting such as PRM training center Split enables education for different health professionals at the same place and time, which provides opportunities for learning about competencies of other team members and development of future collaboration. Also, a uniform approach to education in rehabilitation medicine is provided for all health professionals. All of this sets a solid foundation for education of integrated rehabilitation team and achieving excellence in contemporary Croatian PRM.Implications for RehabilitationIn order to achieve high quality rehabilitation it is necessary to make education accessible to all rehabilitation team members.Implementation of rehabilitation principles in undergraduate education sets a good foundation for the development of postgraduate and specialty training in rehabilitation medicine.Academic setting such as physical and rehabilitation medicine training center Split provides a uniform approach to education in rehabilitation medicine for all health professionals.