Clinical Visit to the Pediatric Laboratory and Early Intervention Center in Taiwan

Clinical Visit to the Pediatric Laboratory and Early Intervention Center in Taiwan: A Journey of International Collaboration

As a medical doctor and pediatric physical therapist from Indonesia, I wear multiple hats in my professional life. I work as a clinician at a pediatric therapy clinic and also teach as an academic in the physiotherapy program at a university, and hold the position of chairperson for the Indonesian Pediatric Physiotherapy Association (IPPA). Currently, I also have the privilege of being a doctoral student in the physiotherapy program at National Taiwan University (NTUPT). My journey into the world of early intervention began in 2018 when I was awarded a scholarship through the collaboration between the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) and the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) for the PEDS-Project for High-Risk Infants. This project aimed to enhance early intervention for high-risk infants, targeting both pediatricians and pediatric physical therapists. The training I received at NTUPT and the National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital (NTUCH) in Taiwan ignited a deep passion for early intervention, and I returned to Indonesia eager to share this knowledge with my colleagues. 

I began advocating for the importance of interprofessional collaboration in early intervention for high-risk infants, emphasizing how teamwork between pediatricians and pediatric physical therapists could significantly improve outcomes. A year later, in April 2019, IPPA invited Prof. Suh-Fang Jeng, PT, ScD, to Indonesia to conduct specialized training on neonatal care physiotherapy. Prof. Jeng, who was then the President of the Asian Western Pacific (AWP) region, was warmly welcomed by pediatric physiotherapists across the country. The training was attended by numerous practitioners from various hospitals and academic institutions, marking a significant step forward in advancing neonatal care in Indonesia. During her visit, Prof. Jeng extended an open invitation to Indonesian pediatric physiotherapists to visit the National Taiwan University Physical Therapy Laboratory (NTUPT) and the National Taiwan University Children’s Hospital (NTUCH) for clinical observations.  

In July 2023, IPPA took up this invitation, sending a team of five pediatric physical therapists to Taiwan for the first time. We visited the Pediatric Physiotherapy Laboratory at NTUPT and the Early Intervention Center at NTUCH, where we witnessed groundbreaking research in infant motor development, sensory-motor integration, neurodevelopment, and neuroplasticity. We also observed clinical practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), gaining firsthand insight into how high-risk infants are managed through early intervention programs. The professionalism and collaborative approach we observed left a lasting impression on us, and we returned to Indonesia inspired to implement similar practices.  

Building on this experience, IPPA organized a second clinical visit in November 2024, this time including three pediatricians and three pediatric physiotherapy lecturers. Together, we revisited NTUPT and NTUCH, where we observed the progress of ongoing research in pediatric laboratories. The research teams shared their completed projects, current studies, and future plans, leaving us in awe of their dedication and innovation. We also spent time at the Early Intervention Center, where we observed the seamless collaboration between doctors, physical therapists, and other therapists in the pediatric clinics. The detailed explanations of patient care pathways and interprofessional teamwork provided us with valuable ideas for improving early intervention services in Indonesia.  

Beyond the clinical and academic aspects of our visit, we also took the opportunity to explore Taiwan’s rich culture. We visited the NTU College of Medicine Museum, where we learned about the evolution of medical practices in Taiwan, and enjoyed iconic tourist spots, vibrant night markets, and the bustling shopping districts of Taipei. The warm hospitality extended by the faculty members at NTU and our colleagues at NTUCH made the trip even more memorable and enjoyable.  

Upon our return to Indonesia, we shared our experiences and insights with fellow pediatricians and pediatric physical therapists. We also invited pediatric physical therapist professors from NTUPT, Prof. Suh-Fang Jeng, PT, ScD; Prof. Yen-Tzu Wu, PT, PhD; and Prof. Hsiao-I Kuo, PT, PhD, to deliver expert lectures online in Indonesia, further disseminating knowledge about early intervention. IPPA has since conducted numerous training sessions to emphasize the importance of early intervention in Indonesia. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with NTUPT and NTUCH and hope to continue this partnership in the coming years. By doing so, we aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in Indonesia, ultimately improving the quality of care for high-risk infants and their families.

 

Photo 1: fisrt visit in July 2023

Photo 2: Group photo of visitors from Indonesia and professors of physical therapy department