An Interdisciplinary Pediatric Rehabilitation Project in Vietnam: The Temple Team Experience

Four faculty members (two nurses, one physical therapist, one occupational therapist) from the 'College of Allied Health Professions, Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, were invited to Vietnam in March 2001 to present an interdisciplinary workshop on cerebral palsy to the rehabilitation staff at a large hospital for children in Hanoi. The purpose was to present lectures on pediatric rehabilitation, to demonstrate techniques, to conduct clinical assessment rounds, and to increase the staff's knowledge about outcome evaluation. After adjusting to the cultural differences, the team worked with Vietnamese professionals in their respective fields. The goals of the workshop were met except that it was not possible to evaluate outcomes by customary methods. However, trainees indicated verbally that they understood the new materials and techniques. The workshop was part of an ongoing project in rehabilitation in Vietnam that is sponsored by Health Volunteers Overseas, a voluntary agency in Washington, DC.