Increased road traffic, longer life expectancy, and better health services reflect some of Vietnam's recent social and economic transformations. However, public health challenges remain in Vietnam, such as congenital brain defects and brain damage from diseases or accidents. Although many Vietnamese people know how brain injuries can affect the quality of life of persons with disabilities, much more can be done to improve serious gaps in service provision and to meet the needs of individuals. The Advancing Medical Care and Rehabilitation Education project enhances the health and well-being of Vietnamese persons with disabilities by providing higher quality and sustainable services, raising awareness of their needs, and strengthening advocacy efforts. This project works with the Ministry of Health; national, provincial and district level hospitals; and medical universities in Hanoi, Hai Duong, Quang Tri, Hue, Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City. 

DEVELOPING A MODEL OF CARE 

The project is developing medical and functional rehabilitation guidelines for persons with brain injuries country-wide. Models for both center-based care and family-based follow-up services strengthen the ability of rehabilitation facilities within the Ministry of Health to provide high quality rehabilitation services for at least 12,000 adults and children with physical impairments. 

BUILDING CAPACITY OF REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS 

In order to ensure that high quality services are provided in line with the medical and functional rehabilitation guidelines, the project provides comprehensive training to rehabilitation and medical staff (doctors, nurses, physical/occupational/speech therapists, etc.). In addition, to ensure long-term quality improvement of services, the project is developing and strengthening university-level education programs for occupational and physical therapists in line with international standards. 

EXPECTED RESULTS 

By September 2023, the project expects that over 12,000 persons with physical impairments will have improved functionality and will be more independent after receiving rehabilitation services through center-based care and/or home-based support. Over 530 health and rehabilitation professionals will be trained to provide quality rehabilitation services. Medical university lecturerswill be equipped to sustain quality education programs for physical and occupational therapists; and governance and overall management of rehabilitation facilities will be strengthened.