The role of the physiatrist in the haemophilia comprehensive care team in different parts of the world

The role of the physiatrist, as a member of the multidisciplinary haemophilia comprehensive care team, is to prevent and treat activity limitations and restriction of participation on the part of the patient. This role is threefold: (i) provide education to the patients, families and healthcare providers to detect disabling injuries and take adequate precautions; (ii) provide specialized treatment of musculoskeletal disabilities striving for the highest level of functionality and (iii) Stimulate the patient's full participation in socio-economic activities of his country. Prominent physiatrists from different parts of the world describe the situation in Armenia, China, Egypt, France, Indonesia (and the Philippines), the Netherlands and South America. © 2008 The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.