Česky
A total of sixteen students from different disciplines from universities such as Yale University, Harvard, the University of Indianapolis and Georgetown University came to the Czech Republic thanks to the CIEE programme, which offers young people the opportunity to study abroad. They spent a total of three months in the country, attending lectures on various subjects at Charles University. The stay also included excursions to selected Czech locations, facilities and operations.
On the list was also the Beroun Rehabilitation Hospital, where they were invited by Tereza Příhodová, M.A., Ph.D., a psychologist at the Center for Mental Rehabilitation, who lectured on Introduction to Neuroscience and Cultural Psychology at the announced Prague University as part of the CIEE program. "At the same time as teaching, we also try to have guests learn about our culture as well as different workplaces. That's why I was happy to invite them to our hospital as well," Tereza Příhodová noted at the beginning.
The visitors had the opportunity to learn how the individual departments work independently and also on a collaborative level - for example, within the Day Care Centre. The tour took them, for example, to the Rehabilitation Centre of MUDr. Jan Calta, where they were welcomed by PhDr. Kristýna Hoidekrová, Ph.D., occupational therapist, methodologist and coordinator for rehabilitation, science and research, in the occupational therapy department.
In addition to conventional occupational therapy, such as the training apartment for practicing everyday activities and therapeutic workshops, she also introduced the students to modern technologies.
"The students had the opportunity to try the HandTutor biofeedback sensory system, which is used in therapy to restore fine motor skills, increase muscle strength and finger joint ranges. In addition, the Gloreha robotic glove, which combines passive finger mobilisation with action-observation therapy and is mainly used in neurological patients, was presented. The last system to try out was the Myro device, which provides upper limb training, cognitive function and therapeutic gaming," the methodologist explained.
After visiting the Arthroscopy Centre, the students proceeded to the Mental Rehabilitation Centre. Accompanied by Tereza Příhodová, they toured practically the entire building - from the swimming pool, gymnasium and hall to the main atrium, phototherapy, music therapy, nutritional therapy and art therapy areas. They also went to the inpatient rooms, where a short program was held, and then everyone visited the premium suites and fitness center.
"From my point of view, the excursion was absolutely brilliant and was rated by the students as one of the best 'field trips' ever. I think they learned a lot about the workings of such a large hospital and the different departments. From their reactions, I had the feeling that they appreciated a lot the approach we take to our patients and how we care about providing them with a truly superior service even in the context of routine medical care," Tereza Příhodová evaluated the visit.
Among the 16 young people was Niv Fisher from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is studying psychology at Indiana University Bloomington. What he found most interesting about the tour was the information about how the various departments work, and he was also impressed by the overall environment of the hospital. "I've visited a few hospitals in the States and they certainly weren't as modern as yours. It was also very interesting to see the different types of rehabilitation procedures. Of course, considering my field of study, I liked the Mental Rehabilitation Center the most. I immediately told others how great this place was and how much I would love to work here. The center provides absolutely great facilities that are hard to come by in other similar facilities back home," said Niv Fisher.
