'Train-the-Trainer': an effective and successful model to accelerate training and improve physiotherapy services for persons with haemophilia in China

The objective of this study was to teach a small group of Chinese physiatrists and physiotherapists to: (i) become trainers and leaders in haemophilia physiotherapy (PT) care in China and (ii) to acquire rapid proficiency in using the reliable and validated Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) for evaluating musculoskeletal health in boys with haemophilia. Two experienced Canadian physiotherapists and co-developers of the HJHS moderated a 4-day PT training workshop with six Chinese participants. Emphasis was placed on instruction and practice in administering the HJHS. Practical sessions with haemophilia patients were interchanged with theory (power point presentations) and interactive question and answer periods. A proficient, knowledgeable translator was an essential component of the workshop. Upon workshop completion, the six trainees demonstrated improved haemophilia-specific PT knowledge and were fully familiar with the HJHS and its administration. The latter was assessed in a mini-reliability study. The 'Train-the-Trainer' model is a very effective education programme designed to accelerate training in haemophilia PT to meet the rapidly increasing need for haemophilia-specific rehabilitation services in a very large country such as China. It is anticipated that physiatrists/physiotherapists at newly established Chinese haemophilia treatment centres will receive training in haemophilia care as a result of this unique programme in the immediate future.