[Innovative e-learning tool for amputees in Ukraine and Germany : Digital assistance for self-help in interdisciplinary rehabilitative care].

Abstract

Background: Following the Russian war of aggression the number of people in Ukraine with amputated arms and legs rose sharply, overwhelming a fledgling rehabilitation system.

Aim: This article describes the development and implementation of an e‑learning tool aimed at medical professionals, amputees and their relatives, which contains a wide range of information on rehabilitation after limb amputation and is easily accessible. It is designed to provide practical support for the rehabilitation process of affected individuals and is available free of charge in the Ukrainian and German languages.

Material and methods: An interdisciplinary team of doctors, therapists, orthopedic technicians and a scientist developed the structure and outline of the learning module in a consensus process. The content was developed in small teams and, after an internal content review by two team members, linguistically synchronized and implemented on the open-source learning platform Integrated Learning, Information and Work Cooperation System (Integriertes Lern‑, Informations- und Arbeitskooperations-System, ILIAS).

Results and discussion: The e‑learning tool was fully developed and implemented within 10 months. It is available free of charge in two languages at https://digitale-lehre-mhh.de . It distinguishes between rehabilitation after arm or leg amputation, after which three consecutive rehabilitation phases (postacute, intermediate and maintenance phases) can be selected. The next level gives access to the specific content, which consists of a pathway, explanatory texts, images, video sequences and audio files on treatment, self-exercises and practical tips.