Experience from shadowing different therapies for patients with Multiple Sclerosis in UK and Poland

Therapies applied in Poland

Therapies Programmes are developed and based on the specifications taken from the following documents:

• European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) and Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (RIMS)
• International Classification Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Centre of rehabilitation in Borne Sulinowo

• Referral process and assessment
• Daily programme of treatments
• Additional available treatments

Therapies applied in United Kingdom

The therapies applied in the United Kingdom are based on the NICE guidelines

• Kent MS Centre in Canterbury
• Sussex MS Centre
• Available treatments
• Complementary therapy

In Summary, as a physiotherapist, my main interests are focused on therapies rather than conventional medicine as a form of treatment.

The following differences were noticed during my project:

• Selection and variety of equipment
• Facilities for inpatient care
• Management / treatment of patients with MS
• Funding of treatment
• Duration and complexity of therapies

Observing both countries I realised the difference of approach for treatment. A lot of the complementary therapies offered in England are part of the basic treatment in Poland, funded the Polish NHS.

While in England medication is widely prescribed by the NHS, in Poland, people are going through a selection process in order to be accepted for different trial programs that can last up to 3 years.

The Polish Rehab Centre invites people from abroad to attend the treatment therapies. The staff and therapists can speak English and other European languages. Some British patients with MS have already visited and received therapies in Poland.