Successful public procurement of physiotherapeutic equipment

Damian Durlak


Damian Durlak – Skuteczne zamówienia publiczne na sprzęt fizjoterapeutyczny. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(2); 54-58

Abstract
Medical facilities purchasing medical equipment under the public procurement procedure are obliged to comply with the regulations specified in legal acts. Due preparation of the specification of the subject of the contract, selection of the appropriate team responsible for the process, and above all, understanding the needs and opinions of physiotherapists who will be using the equipment in the future can significantly affect the success of the entire process. Physiotherapists should be aware of the basics in the field of public procurement in order to be able to support other employees in the adequate preparation of tenders and in the selection of contractors.
Proper cooperation will ensure physiotherapists’ satisfaction working on the suitable equipment, and safe physiotherapeutic conditions for patients.
Key words:
Physiotherapy, public procurement, physiotherapy equipment
Article only in Polish language

Wykorzystanie lasera frakcyjnego CO2 przez fizjoterapeutów

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Wykorzystanie lasera frakcyjnego CO2 przez fizjoterapeutów. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(1); 32-36

Abstract
Similar techniques and equipment can be used in both physiotherapy and aesthetic cosmetology. Physiotherapists, thanks to their knowledge and experience in physical therapy, can successfully perform aesthetic physiotherapy treatments.
The study presents the subject of skin structure, laser therapy and the use of CO2 fractional lasers in aesthetic cosmetology. It discusses possibilities to help patients after accidents in terms of aesthetics with the use of aesthetic physiotherapy.
The vast majority of the analysed literature relates to the effective use of laser therapy to treat scars (especially burn scars). It also refers to the effectiveness of the use of lasers in the case of diseases of the locomotor system as well as in the treatment of purely aesthetic defects.
Aesthetic physiotherapy is a subject that is still poorly researched. However, it can be used by any physiotherapist interested in the subject of cosmetology and aesthetic medicine, as well as having experience in physical therapy.
Key words:
aesthetic physiotherapy, aesthetic cosmetology, laser therapy, CO2 fractional laser
Article only in Polish language

Physiotherapist’s role in physical activity of people working from home

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Rola fizjoterapeuty w aktywności fizycznej u osób pracujących zdalnie. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(5); 226-232

Abstract
Introduction. COVID-19 pandemic introduced new restrictions and either forced or encouraged citizens to stay mostly in isolation, preferably at home. Many companies sent their employees to work from home. With fitness centers, gyms and other sport facilities closed by government, there were scarce chances and motivators to work out.
Objectives. This paper was dedicated to studying the possible outcomes of COVID-19 related isolation and decrease in citizen’s everyday activity. Proposed usage of telephysiotherapy is presented.
Methods. In this paper a literature review and a discussion is performed regarding the current work-from-home situation in Poland, drawbacks of prolonged isolation and areas where physiotherapists might help citizens.
Results. Reduction of physical activity has significant impact on individuals’ bodies and should not be ignored. Patients with specific diseases might use telephysiotherapy services and continue their treatment. However, there is a need to provide home office employees with a good source of motivation and properly prepared sets of exercises to remain healthy and fit. Physiotherapists have an occasion to provide such services and use their professional knowledge in this area.
Conclusions. Physiotherapistscan provide services like telephysiotherapy with sets of exercises provided for specific groups of users. This allows for a win-win situation: physiotherapists earn money on a slightly different type of tasks and patients have a professional source of profitable exercises.
Key words:
COVID-19, telephysiotherapy, physical activity, working from home

Opinion of physiotherapists on the impact of the work of the Data Protection Officer on the security of patient data

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Opinion of physiotherapists on the impact of the work of the Data Protection Officer on the security of patient data. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(5); 32-37

Abstract
Introduction. Due to constant need for protection of patients’ personal data and for up-to-date knowledge about personal data protection law and Data Protection Officer’s (DPO) role in healthcare it is crucial for physiotherapists that work in their profession to have actual knowledge about the law and individuals they can ask for help with data protection issues.
Aim. The aim of this research was to assess whether there exists a statistically important correlation between respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and their opinions and knowledge about personal data protection law and DPO’s functions.
Methods. An author’s custom survey form was used. The survey was conducted on a group of 101 physiotherapists actively working in their profession.
Results. Physiotherapists questioned felt the need to refresh their knowledge about medical law. They did not have faith in DPO regarding his possibility to improve data security and quality of services offered. At the same time, they witnessed data security breach. Most of the variables used were statistically significantly correlated.
Summary. Education programs concerning personal data protection, medical law and DPO’s roles should be conducted at medical facilities. Employees’ higher knowledge about this topic allows to secure both physiotherapists’ and patients’ interests.
Key words:
physiotherapists, Data Protection Officer, personal data, patients’ medical data

Knowledge of physiotherapists on health promotion

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Knowledge of physiotherapists on health promotion. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(4); 158-163

Abstract
Introduction. A high level of knowledge of physiotherapists in the field of health promotion and proper body parameters is necessary for the correct transmission of information to patients. Physiotherapists should also use their lifestyle to set a good example to patients and encourage them to change their habits and know correct body parameters. A disturbingly small percentage of physiotherapists promoted a healthy lifestyle among patients. The answers to most of the questions were correlated with sociodemographic features.
Conclusions. Additional programmes promoting the transfer of knowledge to patients by physiotherapists should be introduced in most medical facilities. Physiotherapists should be encouraged to share their knowledge of a healthy lifestyle.
Key words:
physiotherapists, health promotion, body parameters
Article only in Polish language

The influence of health and safety regulations on the work safety of physiotherapists

Damian Durlak

D. Durlak – The influence of health and safety regulations on the work safety of physiotherapists. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(4); 26-31

Abstract
Introduction. Physiotherapists constitute a professional group particularly exposed to injuries to the locomotor system resulting from the specificity of their work. The occupational health and safety regulations and principles of ergonomics are applied to protect their bodies when they perform their work. In order for them to be effective, it is necessary for employees to know them and have an appropriate approach to their application.
Objective. In order to identify groups for which it would be justified to provide additional training, opinions and knowledge of a group of physiotherapists in the field of OHS and ergonomics were determined. The occurrence of a statistically significant correlation between the answers and the sociodemographic features of the respondents was studied.
Material and method. The study used a proprietary questionnaire form containing questions on the application of health and safety regulations and principles of ergonomics. The study was conducted on a group of 101 active physiotherapists.
Results. Most of the answers to the questions asked were correlated with sociodemographic features of the respondents. Most respondents believe that they have received sufficient OHS training, but do not believe that this knowledge could improve their quality of work or reduce the risk of contracting occupational diseases.
Conclusions. For the effective protection of physiotherapists’ bodies against the effects of their work, it is necessary to continually refresh their knowledge in the field of OHS and ergonomics. Properly prepared training can help change employees’ attitudes towards safety regulations.
Key words:
physiotherapists, occupational diseases, occupational health and safety, ergonomics
Article only in Polish language

Professional situation of physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Professional situation of physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(3); 164-169

Abstract
Introduction. COVID-19 epidemy impacted the economic situation in Poland and most of the world’s countries. It caused vast changes in citizens’ professional situation and leaded to employees fears about the future. Significant professional changes were also prepared for physiotherapists.
Aim This research was focused on assessing physiotherapists’ opinions about their current professional situation. Existence of statistically significant correlation between respondents’ answers and sociodemographic characteristics was determined.
Methods Author’s custom survey form was used, consisting of questions about professional situation of respondents. The survey was conducted on a group of 101 physiotherapists.
Results The majority of physiotherapists questioned had not suffered from changes implemented during COVID-19 pandemic, but they would like to receive additional benefits like other medical professions. There was a statistically significant correlation between respondents’ answers and sociodemographic characteristics.
Summary Medical facilities should continue to care about their employees, by offering physiotherapists similar benefits like those available to other medical employees. Despite the epidemiology situation, physiotherapists’ salary and working hours should not be cut.
Key words:
physiotherapists, COVID-19, coronavirus pandemic, professional situation
Only Polish version

Physiotherapists’ opinions on the impact of Compliance Manager’s work on preventing financial losses in hospitals

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Physiotherapists’ opinions on the impact of Compliance Manager’s work on preventing financial losses in hospitals. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(3); 74-78

Abstract
Introduction For medical facilities, violation of las and ethical rules might bring strong stigmatization by patients. Because of that, it is recommended to implement Compliance system in medical facilities and to give medical employees all information about Compliance Manager role.
Aim This research was focused on assessing the current knowledge and opinion of physiotherapists about Compliance Manager role. Existence of statistically significant correlation between respondents’ answers and sociodemographic characteristics was determined.
Methods Author’s custom survey form was used, consisting of questions about Compliance Manager role. The survey was conducted on a group of 101 physiotherapists, actively working in their profession.
Results Majority of respondents knew about Compliance Manager role and wanted such person to be employed in facility they worked for. There is a lack of trust among employees towards effectiveness of such professional’s actions. Most of the answers were significantly correlated with sociodemographic characteristics of respondents.
Summary Compliance system and the role of Compliance Manager should be implemented in polish medical facilities. Additional workshops and trainings are needed to strengthen medical staff trust towards Compliance Manager actions.
Key words:
physiotherapists, Compliance Manager, compliance control
Only Polish version

The state of knowledge of nurses and physiotherapists in the field of Public Health

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – The state of knowledge of nurses and physiotherapists in the field of Public Health. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(2); 160-165

Abstract
Introduction. Medical staff, irrespectively from their exact profession, should have at least basic knowledge about public health, in order to be able to duly take care of society’s health. Aim. This research was focused on assessment of nurses’ and physiotherapists’ knowledge about public health and on determining whether the answers were correlated with respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. Author’s survey form was used, consisting of questions related to public health. The survey was conducted on a group of 101 nurses and physiotherapists. Results. Majority of respondents had knowledge about public health. Unfortunately, high percentage of people questioned fears that COVID-19 lockdown will impact the public health actions’ effectiveness. Answer for most of the questions were correlated with respondents’ characteristics. Summary. The subject of public health should be present at regular trainings for nurses and physiotherapists. Even during the pandemic, actions related to this area should be continued.
Key words:
nurses, physiotherapists, public health, level of knowledge

Impact of changing medical law on the quality of physiotherapeutic services

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Impact of changing medical law on the quality of physiotherapeutic services. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(2); 36-41

Abstract
Introduction. When a person loses health, she entrusts herself to health workers for quick recovery to full health. There occur medical errors, punished differently through time. Growing number of patients’ claims and recent law changes forces health professionals to diligently study medical law. Aim. This research was aimed to assess physiotherapists’ knowledge and opinions about recent changes in medical law. Also, existence of statistically important correlation between answers and respondents’ characteristics was determined. Methods. Custom survey form was used, consisting of questions about knowledge and opinions about recent changes in medical law, together with questions about sociodemographic characteristics. The survey was conducted on a group of 101 physiotherapists. Results. Most of the respondents knew medical workers’ law better than patients’ and poorly knew specific Penalty Code articles concerning their profession. The majority of sociodemographic characteristics were correlated with physiotherapists’ opinions and answers. Summary. It is justified to implement additional education programs for physiotherapists about actual medical law and the penal code in order to provide better protection of patients’ and medical workers’ interests.
Key words:
physiotherapists, medical law, Anti-crisis shield, medical errors
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