Abstract:

Introduction:
The introduction of the Ergotherapy (ET) in the processus of education of our country was based on the classic traditions of the Occupational therapy, introduced as a specialty in Bulgarian Medical Schools in the fifteen of the last century. Current article debates some contemporaneous aspects of the education in the field of ET and its place in the educational plan of students of the professional fields of Medicine, Public Health and Health Care.

Methodology:
Our goal was to prepare an e-book on Ergotherapy and the evaluation of the introduction of e-learning on the level of theoretical and practical competences of our students and trainees in this field.
We introduced in the educational programme and in the e-book modern clinical aspects of ET in the fields of neurological, neuro-surgical, rhumatological, orthopedic and traumatological rehabilitation, including algorithms of education of respective patients in autonomy in activities of daily living. Special attention was paid to the role of ET for amelioration of the quality of life of patients, to the home adaptation and to different types of technical aids.
We prepared PC-based tests for assessment of theoretical and practical skills and we evaluated the level of competences of students in different specialties: bachelors in Kinesitherapy, bachelors and masters in „Medical Rehabilitation and Ergotherapy“, masters in „Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology“; and in the processus of education of medical doctors and during the specialization in „Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine“. We tested too the level of satisfaction of students.

Results:
The qualitative and quantitative analysis of results of assessment tests demonstrated a significant amelioration of competences of students applying e-learning and using the complete version (theoretical and practical) of the e-book. The level of satisfaction of students and trainees, using this method was positive.

Discussion:
The place of occupational therapy in the complex rehabilitation process of different types of patients and persons with disabilities. The place of ergotherapist in the multi-disciplinary and multi-professional rehabilitation team is argued.
We discuss traditions of Bulgarian school of occupational therapy and its positive role in the development of ET in our country. We present some results of our own modest clinical experience of 30 years in this field.

Conclusion:
We emphasize the significance of the education in ET in the minimal level of competences of students and trainees in the rehabilitation field.

Keywords:

e-learning, e-book, education, ergotherapy, rehabilitation.