Abstract
Introduction:This doctoral dissertation attempted to approach the issue of quality assurance andcertification of rehabilitation centers in Greece.Because of that, finding data was very difficult, even for elementary statisticsregarding the number of persons for compensation, the average hospitalization time orthe virtual absence of quality assurance systems – especially in public-sector. Thisthesis focused on the pursuit of existing systems abroad and the creation of a Greekone, based on the foreign one that was considered as the most appropriate andresponsive to the Greek data and the pilot implementation in specific rehabilitationunits.The study was based on the research questions concerning:1. How many assurance systems exist and what is their quality to rehabilitate,2. The applicability of such a system in Greece,3. The design or modification and pilot implementation of such a system adaptedto the Greek data.Aims and objectives of this study:The aim of the study was to suggest a st ...
Introduction:This doctoral dissertation attempted to approach the issue of quality assurance andcertification of rehabilitation centers in Greece.Because of that, finding data was very difficult, even for elementary statisticsregarding the number of persons for compensation, the average hospitalization time orthe virtual absence of quality assurance systems – especially in public-sector. Thisthesis focused on the pursuit of existing systems abroad and the creation of a Greekone, based on the foreign one that was considered as the most appropriate andresponsive to the Greek data and the pilot implementation in specific rehabilitationunits.The study was based on the research questions concerning:1. How many assurance systems exist and what is their quality to rehabilitate,2. The applicability of such a system in Greece,3. The design or modification and pilot implementation of such a system adaptedto the Greek data.Aims and objectives of this study:The aim of the study was to suggest a standard quality assurance system inrehabilitation services based on European experience and examine the feasibility of aGreek system on them. The main objective of the study is to formulate motions for certification ofrehabilitation centers in Greece and the wider operational planning of services andeffective governance.Specific objectives of the study were:1. A systematic literature search in a specialized assessment system rehabilitationcenters.2. The examination of the applicability of a Greek quality assurance tool whichcould be applied to the Greek setting after the adoption process, translation,cultural adaptation and specialization.3. The transfer to Greece and the creation of a new system based on Greekpatterns and needs.4. The pilot implementation in selected structures rehabilitation in Greece.5. The proposals and measures whose implementation will lead to the provisionof improved rehabilitation services in GreeceSubjects and methods:To achieve our goals through a systematic literature review, a specific methodologywas planned and performed so as to select the appropriate system of quality assurancein rehabilitation services (Manuscript #1 published). Then the system moved throughtwo stages of research in Greek standards and needs and applied in selected structuresrehabilitation. During the first stage the appropriateness of the Greek translation of theselected system for Greece was tested and any comments of participants of this stagewhere taken into account. During the second stage, a new tool that had its owngrading scale adapted to the Greek data was developed, named "System Assurancequality restoration - S.DI.P.A.", and it was implemented in selected rehabilitation structures (Manuscript #2 submitted). Finally, based on the above, suggestions weremade to improve the situation in Greece (Manuscript #3 under submission).Results:Results showed that a system of quality assurance in rehabilitation, according to the literaturecan be applied in Greece on a large scale. The development of our tool (S.DI.P.A.) based onthe structure of EQUASS was successful, according to the results of its application withselected structures.Specifically, in terms of functionality and usage of the tool developed, it was evaluatedpositively by all participating structures. Also, it showed that it is indeed possible to apply aquality assurance system restore in Greece on a large scale, without significant problems.Discussion and conclusions:This thesis has led to the identification and selection of a suitable tool for evaluatingthe quality of rehabilitation services and examined its applicability on selected units.The major differences between similar structures determine the presence or lack oftotal quality management in the field of rehabilitation which have apparently beenconsidered inferior until recently and did not attract great attention.In conclusion, the implementation of a Greek system ensuring at least the minimumacceptable levels of quality to the relevant structures, is indisputably a greatimperative for reducing gaps in the operation and effectiveness of structures. Basedon that, further work needs to be performed to start producing efficiencies that are stilllacking especially in times of economic crisis and high competition.
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