Daily life simulator to prevent disability in patients with rheumatic diseases

Objective

Create a therapeutic space that simulates the daily lives of patients with rheumatic conditions, where they can learn and practice safe techniques for everyday activities, in order to prevent complications, injuries or accidents and help delay the onset of disability.

Specific objectives:

• Correct habits that cause pain or joint damage.
• Train adaptive skills using ergonomic equipment and tools.
• Increase patients' independence and quality of life.
• Prevent early disability and reduce the social and economic impact of dependency.

Project design

A daily life simulator will be created, featuring a home and an office setting, where users will be trained in the use and handling of various everyday tools, taking into account proper biomechanics and ergonomics so they can carry out these daily activities without causing injuries or after-effects of the joint disease they suffer from. To this end, the project includes remodeling and adaptation of the space, the necessary equipment and staff training.

Activities and duration:

• Quotation and selection of equipment, materials and furniture: 3 weeks.
• Purchase orders and receipt of equipment, materials and furniture: 8 weeks.
• Renovation and adaptation of the area where the simulator will be installed: 8 weeks.
• Simulator installation: 6 weeks.
• Staff training: 1 week.

Beneficiaries

Economically disadvantaged patients without health insurance who receive care at the UPAR. Indirectly, their family members and caregivers.

Sustainability

The grant will be used to purchase the equipment and provide training, while the community will provide the facilities and the staff required to operate the simulator, and will be responsible for the maintenance and updates required by the donated equipment. The foundation has an annual budget from which funds will be allocated to pay for operating staff and maintenance. It also sets a cost-recovery fee for users, based on a socioeconomic study, which goes toward maintaining the facilities.

Partner organizations

• Fundación Maritere I.B.P.: for more than 24 years, this foundation has provided specialized medical care to people living with rheumatic diseases who are in vulnerable situations, particularly those without access to public health services or social security in the state of Puebla. In 2019 it opened the first unit for rheumatic patients in Mexico (UPAR), which offers comprehensive care through a program model that provides psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, rheumatological medical care, allopathic treatment and physical rehabilitation. That project was made possible with the help of the Rotary Club of Puebla Campestre Real through a Global Grant of USD 41,106 to equip the UPAR. The foundation has demonstrated commitment to its projects, and the assistance it provides to the community has a significant impact on health and social welfare. It is currently working to develop a daily life simulator to train patients in everyday work and life skills, as a complement to their rehabilitation.
• Rotary Club of Puebla Campestre Real: will be the local sponsor; it will provide the training UPAR staff need to integrate the program into daily life and will supervise the purchase, delivery, installation and use of the required equipment and materials.
• International sponsor club: will provide advice and financial support.

Monitoring and evaluation

The project will measure the number of people served by the simulator, the number of healthcare professionals trained and the number of family members trained to support users.

Implementation year

2027