What is Rehabilitation

Original Editor - Kim Jackson

Top Contributors - Kim Jackson and Aminat Abolade  

Introduction

The key factor in patient care is to help people improve their function and strive towards independence, following an acute injury or diagnosis of a long term condition. For many this is only possible through access to rehabilitation services. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rehabilitation is one of the essential components of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which features alongside “promotion of good health, prevention of diseases, treatment and palliative care”.

According to estimates, more than a billion people—more than 15% of the world's population—live with some kind of impairment. Additionally, 2.41 billion people live with illnesses that affect their ability to carry out everyday tasks and would benefit from rehabilitation services, which translates to 1 in 3 people needing these services over the length of their sickness or injury. So what is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation Explained

The term rehabilitation is used in many different contexts but the general underlying definition is based on the idea that each person has the right to be an active participant and expert in identifying their needs and making decisions on their health care.. This definition helps to define the difference between acute care and rehabilitation. Acute care is focused on an individual's survival, whereas rehabilitation relates to the education and training of individuals so that they can live independent lives by focusing on the promotion of self-care and functional independence.

However, the term rehabilitation is used in various settings which has resulted in the lack of an agreed universal definition. Its meaning can differ depending upon the context, for example, whether discussing a disability issue, health issue, substance abuse or behavioural issue. This article will focus on rehabilitation in a health context.

Rehabilitation in a Health Setting

In health, when referring to acute or chronic diseases, injury or trauma, rehabilitation can be defined as "set of interventions designed to optimise functioning in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment". In fact it describes any individual that is unable to function without limitations due to any circumstance including age, acquired or genetic disorder or dysfunction relating to a life event, stress or congenital anomalies. In a rehabilitation setting these impairments and dysfunctions that affect activities of daily living and participation in society can be addressed by looking beyond the acute care setting and adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to care.