A position paper on Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine programmes in post-acute settings Union of European Medical Specialists Section of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (in conjunction with the European Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine)

Abstract

Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) programmes in post-acute settings cover interventions for the rehabilitation of people with a variety of disabling health conditions. The setting of the intervention is more important than the timing and these programmes can be carried out in a variety of facilities. This paper describes the role of PRM services and of PRM specialists in delivering rehabilitation programmes to people, who have initially been admitted to hospital. The emphasis is on improving patients' activities and addressing participation issues. PRM programmes in post-acute settings provide a range of treatments and have a major influence in the long-term on the pace and extent of return of function and recovery from ill-health. This paper will define the meaning of post-acute settings and will describe the patient's journey through the post-acute setting. In particular, it addresses the standards of care across Europe that patients should expect. This paper also examines the general principles of funding such programmes within the context of different health care systems across Europe. Coordinated care improves outcomes and economic profiles for both payers and providers of services. This paper describes the value of PRM interventions and PRM specialist-led teams in promoting better outcomes for people with disabilities with complex needs.