Projektart: Gefördertes Projekt
Wassertherapieseminar

Introduction: The Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten e. V. (Federal Association of Laryngectomy Patients) looks after almost 5,000 affected members and, according to its statutes, pursues in particular the goal of providing members with the current state of knowledge on lifestyle-enhancing activities by means of information and training, thereby increasing the quality of life. Members also serve as multipliers in their activities. The sponsored water therapy seminar is aimed at affected male and female members of the Federal Association of Laryngectomists who volunteer to offer their state associations, district and local associations, sections and other self-help groups water therapy seminars (including introduction of the water therapy device) for laryngectomists in the future in their function as water therapy representatives. The prerequisite for participation in a water therapy seminar is a completely healed, tight stoma. The trained participants are actively involved in their state or district associations as well as in rehabilitation clinics as so-called "water therapy representatives". The seminar was attended by 21 multipliers. Work and schedule: The program of the seminar was divided into three days. The seminar program on the first day included the organizational instructions, introduction of the participants, theoretical introduction to the use of an aquatic therapy device, as well as the theoretical part about the promotion of movement and sports in cancer patients with special attention to the altered respiration. The second day started with a first aid course of the DRK and with an education on the topic "Behavior in case of bathing accidents". After the lunch break, a lecture was given on improving the quality of life through exercise and sport after laryngectomy. Afterwards, the practical water exercises took place under the supervision of the staff of the DLRG Soltau. After the motto: "How to organize water therapy courses and what has to be considered" the last seminar day started. The seminar participants were also informed about liability issues. Practical exercises in the water took place again. In the final round, the participants were able to discuss organizational and content-related issues with the water therapy representative of the federal association. The participants rated the program very positively. It was a very instructive and helpful seminar for the prospective and well-founded water therapy commissioners. Dissemination and public relations of the project results: The seminar is reported in the association magazine "SPRACHROHR". During meetings and events at the state and district level, seminar participants will report on the results and their experiences during the water therapy seminar. Information on the topic of water therapy has been published on the website of the Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten e. V., www.kehlkopfoperiert-bv.de. Utilization of the project results: The knowledge obtained can be used to improve the care of affected members in the state associations. The participants are active in their regional associations as water therapy representatives and take care of other affected persons in the sense of self-help. The water therapy representatives are available to interested parties at any time and plan meetings according to agreement and interest. All water therapy commissioners trained by the Federal Association pass on their acquired knowledge as multipliers and thus help new sufferers take one more step back into their lives before laryngeal surgery. The Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten e. V. takes the care of its members very seriously. The water therapy seminar offered supports the work of the active volunteer members. In the last 10 years, the Federal Association has been able to recruit more than 60 newly trained water therapy officers.