State of physiotherapeutic service in Irkutsk region: problems and prospects

Purpose of the study. Introduction. Despite the active introduction of physical and rehabilitation medicine into practical healthcare, the specialty «Physiotherapy» has not lost its importance. Along with this, there are problems that complicate the development of the specialty: the absence and non-compliance with modern requirements of the regulatory framework, the unreasonably small representation of physiotherapy in modern clinical guidelines. Resolving these issues is impossible without analyzing the current situation in the departments of the physiotherapeutic network, which will ensure the proper quality of medical care with a high level of safety and satisfaction of the consumer of this medical service and expand the list of physiotherapy technologies in modern clinical recommendations. The purpose of the study is to study the performance indicators of physiotherapeutic units of medical and preventive organizations in the Irkutsk region to assess the dynamics of their development and future prospects. Material and methods. An analysis of data from state statistical annual reporting on the work of physiotherapeutic departments (PTD) and physiotherapeutic offices (FTK) of the Ministry of Health of the Irkutsk region, on the provision of physiotherapeutic medical care in treatment and preventive organizations of the Irkutsk region in the period from 2017 to 2023 was carried out. Results. The quantitative indicators of the work of FTO (FTC) employees were studied, the qualitative components of their activities were assessed, problems in the implementation of physiotherapeutic treatment were identified and ways to eliminate them were determined. It has been shown that negative trends in the development of physical therapy continue: the material and technical base is deteriorating, the staff of doctors and nurses is being reduced, the level of qualifications of specialists is decreasing, and the coverage of patients with physical therapy methods is decreasing. Conclusion. Despite the slight improvement in the quantitative parameters of the activities of physical therapy (FTK), the period of stagnation in physical therapy continues. It is necessary to formulate a regulatory framework for the specialty and expand the role of physiotherapy in modern clinical guidelines. This is the basis for motivating employees of the physiotherapy service and the influx of young personnel.