STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPETENCE IN PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

The study aims to analyse strategies for improving psychological competence in physical rehabilitation. The research was conducted using a mixed type, which involved the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The PRISMA approach was used to collect qualitative data. The inclusion of scientific sources involved the following 4 criteria: 1. Focus on rehabilitation, psychology, or resilience. 2. Published in peer-reviewed journals. 3. Includes process of data or methods. 4. Written in English. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with five experts. Semi-structured interviews were chosen because they are flexible and dynamic. Transcription of the recorded interviews and coding and comparative analysis were used to analyse the data. Acquiring psychological competencies is essential for medical staff, resulting from changes in attitudes towards patients and their mental and emotional states. Among the modern strategies for improving psychological competence are cognitive behavioural therapy, support for the emotional state (empathy), psychodiagnostics and work on self-esteem, social support, psychoeducation, and work on motivation. The identified strategies have a reasonably quick effect, are long-lasting, and require the involvement of additional specialists. Taking into account experts' opinions made it possible to establish the importance of focusing on modern rehabilitation on the psychological recovery of patients, which is as important as physical recovery.