gms | German Medical Science

Background: Investment in action is vital to confront the challenges associated with chronic diseases and disability facing European health systems [1]. Although relevant policy responses are being increasingly developed, most of them fail to recognize the prominent role of rehabilitation services in achieving public health and social goals [2]. Comprehensive guidance is urgently needed to support rehabilitation policy development and expand access to rehabilitation care to meet population needs effectively [3].

Aim: The purpose of this study is to develop an action-oriented framework to guide rehabilitation policy development in Europe.

Method: The framework was developed by means of a literature review and consultation with experts from the European Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine. The review identified major authoritative recommendations on rehabilitation policy. A writing group was then established which synthesized the recommendations and organized them thematically. 31 experts coming from 17 European countries took part in a draft-discussion meeting in Athens (19 October 2018).

Results/findings: The framework consists of 6 domains (Governance, Population and civil society engagement, Economic support, Production resources, Models of care and Monitoring) and 12 subdomains that address several facets of health programming (e.g. strategic planning, regulation, insurance coverage, service design). A set of options for action within each subdomain is presented. These options can support embedding rehabilitation within national health planning and guide the formulation of national action plans for rehabilitation.

Discussion and conclusions: The framework provides a structure to understand the policy terrain related to rehabilitation in Europe and the measures required to translate aspirational political pronouncements into targeted programmatic action and tangible health and social outcomes.