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The future of rehabilitation: A unique hungarian model
1997 SPRING CLINICAL NEPHROLOGY MEETINGS
49 THE FUTURE OF REHABILITATION: A UNIQUE HUNGARIAN MODEL. M., Zrinyi & K., Polner. Nephrocentmm Foundation & Dialysis Center, Budapest, Hungary. There were approx. 2500 chronic hemodialysis patients cared for by 55 centers in Hungary in 1996. One such center is the Nephrocentrum, a non-profit foundation, originally established by renal patients in 1991. The unique feature of the center is its very explicitly implemented rehabilitation program. The conceptual basis behind the program accomodates the life cycle view of renal patients, similar to what Kimmel refers to (Am. Joum. of Kidn. Dis. 15: 191-193, 1990). The program is designed to give room for adjustments according to the different clinical manifestations of the disease, for instance with continuing education of patients. Rehabilitation is also based on the firm interdisciplinary collaboration of the entire nephrology team. Physical 'rehabilitation focuses on providing adequate dialysis and maintaining the fitness of patients. Preserving psychosocial well-being is another primary objective of the program. Vocational rehabilitation, however, is a major achievement and the most successfully realized element of the rehabilitation process compared to efforts of other institutions. Out of the 95 presently employed workers at the center 67 are rehabilitated patients. Part-time jobs are provided on various grounds considering aptitude, previous occupation and education level, and the everchanging health condition of patients through regular medical checkups. Some patients help out as nurses or technicians while others are involved in concentrate production. Home assembly is also available as well as high-qualified jobs such as computer publishing. Drivers take on delivery services and skilled laborers in the workshop manufacture marketable plastic goods. The center's laundry division is another area of full rehabilitation employment. The foundation has also built and operates a scenery holiday, resort, accomodating many patients and their spouses, that offers related leisure time and environment for individuals desiring to recreate. Psychometric testing of the model and measurement of quality of life differences between employed and non-employed patients is a current project.
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49 THE FUTURE OF REHABILITATION: A UNIQUE HUNGARIAN MODEL. M., Zrinyi & K., Polner. Nephrocentmm Foundation & Dialysis Center, Budapest, Hungary. There were approx. 2500 chronic hemodialysis patients cared for by 55 centers in Hungary in 1996. One such center is the Nephrocentrum, a non-profit foundation, originally established by renal patients in 1991. The unique feature of the center is its very explicitly implemented rehabilitation program. The conceptual basis behind the program accomodates the life cycle view of renal patients, similar to what Kimmel refers to (Am. Joum. of Kidn. Dis. 15: 191-193, 1990). The program is designed to give room for adjustments according to the different clinical manifestations of the disease, for instance with continuing education of patients. Rehabilitation is also based on the firm interdisciplinary collaboration of the entire nephrology team. Physical 'rehabilitation focuses on providing adequate dialysis and maintaining the fitness of patients. Preserving psychosocial well-being is another primary objective of the program. Vocational rehabilitation, however, is a major achievement and the most successfully realized element of the rehabilitation process compared to efforts of other institutions. Out of the 95 presently employed workers at the center 67 are rehabilitated patients. Part-time jobs are provided on various grounds considering aptitude, previous occupation and education level, and the everchanging health condition of patients through regular medical checkups. Some patients help out as nurses or technicians while others are involved in concentrate production. Home assembly is also available as well as high-qualified jobs such as computer publishing. Drivers take on delivery services and skilled laborers in the workshop manufacture marketable plastic goods. The center's laundry division is another area of full rehabilitation employment. The foundation has also built and operates a scenery holiday, resort, accomodating many patients and their spouses, that offers related leisure time and environment for individuals desiring to recreate. Psychometric testing of the model and measurement of quality of life differences between employed and non-employed patients is a current project.
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