From November 4 to 15, 2024, the Rehabilitation Department of the Faculty of Medicine at Kaunas Higher Education Institution hosted Prof. Dr Serkan Pekcetin from University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Turkey. Prof. S. Pekcetin has previously been working as an occupational therapist and recently his research focuses on neurological development assessment in occupational therapy and the evaluation of occupational balance.
During the visit, training sessions were organised for the teaching staff and researchers of the Faculty of Medicine. These sessions covered topics of mastering research proposal writing: structure, outlining, and peer review. Additionally, specific features of research design in experimental and non-experimental studies were discussed, highlighting the differences between cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
Students from the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy study programmes participated in workshops where they learned statistical analysis of data results and how to present them in final theses and at conferences. The differences between qualitative and quantitative research were explored, with particular attention given to research design, case studies, and observational research methods.
Meetings with the lecturers and researchers of the Rehabilitation Department provided an opportunity to discuss joint research topics, potential possibilities for international collaboration and joint projects. Discussions also addressed the latest technologies, including 3D printing, in medical technology and research and development (R&D) activities. The application of 3D printing in creating personalized therapeutic tools, orthopedic models, and prototypes was explored, emphasizing innovative solutions in the field of rehabilitation.
Such international collaborations not only enhance the competencies of researchers but also strengthen the partnerships of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution with foreign institutions.