Within the framework of the cooperation agreement between I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University and Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw (AWF) Assistant Professor of the Department of Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy and Physical Education Bai Anastasia Vasylivna completed a professional internship in ergotherapy at the Department of Ergotherapy of the Faculty of Rehabilitation in November 18-29, 2019.

During the internship Bai A.V. studied the principles of organization of the rehabilitation process at the clinical facilities of the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, namely the Olinek Intensive Care Centre and the “Ośrodek Wczesnej Interwencji Polskiego Stowarzyszenia na rzecz Osób z Niepełnosprawnością Intelektualną (Centre for Early Intervention of the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities)” with the concept of ergotherapy workshops for possible implementation of the valuable experience gained in Ukraine, as well as further cooperation in rehabilitation.

In Ukraine, ergotherapy, as a specialty, has been recently introduced into the Dictionary of Occupational Titles that is why much attention was paid to ergotherapy.

Ergotherapy is a new method of rehabilitation and combines physical and psychological recovery of a patient. An ergotherapist does not only shows a person at a post-traumatic period or with acquired disability how to cope with everyday difficulties and restore self-care skills, but also teaches understanding the problem, enjoying life, having fun and even enjoying themselves.

At the Olinek Intensive Care Centre, ergotherapists work with children with ASD, musculoskeletal disorders, after traumas, with mental disorders, characterized by the failure of acquired functions, skills and abilities, with chronic illnesses and Bai A.V. had an opportunity to manage patients with different nosologies.

At the Centre for Early Intervention of the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities ergotherapists work with children with ASD and congenital pathologies from birth to 7 years old, aiming to adapt a child to further learning.

During this internship Bai A.V. improved her language skills, gained experience in international scientific environment, trained in ergotherapy in order to introduce these all into the research and learning process of the Department of Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy and Physical Education, i.e. for development of educational and methodological documentation for students of the specialty 227 Physical Therapy, Ergotherapy. The Assistant Professor also studied comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, learned about the scientific and practical achievements of the staff of the Olinek and Centre for Early Intervention of the Polish Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities in development of individual rehabilitation programs for children with different nosologies, improved knowledge and practical skills in drawing up rehabilitation programs for patients of different age groups, trained in using the latest diagnostic and rehabilitation equipment.

The experience gained by Bai A.V. during the internship is going to be introduced into the educational process of I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University.

Bai Anastasia Vasylivna appreciates facilitation of the Rector M.M. Korda, University Administration, Professor Popovych D.V., Professor Mysula I.R., Associate Professor Lisnychuk N.Ye, Mudryk T.Ye. in participation in the internship in ergotherapy.

The report was prepared by Bai A.V.