title: Rehabilitation in the community.
abstract: The Project applied rehabilitation in community (RIC) in Zagreb, Croatia as a model of care with the aim of maximizing physical and mental abilities in a persons' own life environment as well as social integration. From September 96 to June 98, 785 patients with primary physical disablement were admitted: 80% with musculoskeletal conditions, and 20% with traumatic brain or spinal injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, amputation or rheumatoid arthritis. They were residents of Trnje community (55%), Zagreb area (40%) and Croatia area (5%). Mean age was 44 years (men 39, women 48, range 7-76); 52% of patients were women and 17% were recent war wounded. The RIC programme focused on training for physical condition, activities of daily living, preservation of energy and instructions on self-rehabilitation measures, application of aids, and psychosocial consultation. Patients' families were actively involved. Educational activities involved 1100 participants and RIC was promoted by 182 health and social care agencies, humanitarian organizations, the Church, Red Cross, the University and public. The Project demonstrated that primary health care nurse, social worker, and peer counsellor joined to rehabilitation professionals were able to develop interdisciplinary teamwork and to confirm their roles as CBR workers.
authors.affiliation: Sveti Duh General Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Georgievski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D017523:Croatia; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team