Providing research evidence for WHO guideline on rehabilitation services
Reasons for the study
According to 2011 data, one in seven people around the world live with a disability, 80 per cent in low- to middle-income countries where rehabilitation services are wanting or even non-existent. Unmet needs for rehabilitation services can affect people with disabilities in a number of ways, potentially leading to a deterioration in general health status, activity limitations, participation restrictions and reduced quality of life. That’s why strengthening rehabilitation is emerging as a key challenge facing health systems in the 21st century, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This project synthesized the research evidence on a host of questions to support the WHO in establishing guidelines on rehabilitation services.
Objectives of the study
- To determine what service-provision models work for different health conditions/resource settings/phases to ensure the delivery of rehabilitation services
- To determine what types of assessment tools can be used to ensure individuals’ rehabilitation needs are adequately identified
Related scientific publications
- Furlan AD, Irvin E, Munhall C, Giraldo-Prieto M, Fullerton L, McMaster R, Danak S, Costante A, Pitzul KB, Bhide RP, Marchenko S, Mahood Q, David JA, Flannery J, Bayley M. Rehabilitation service models for people with physical and/or mental disability living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2018;50(6):487-498. doi:10.2340/16501977-2325 . (Open access)
Related interviews and articles
- New World Health Organization guidelines on rehabilitation tap into Institute synthesis. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 88, Spring 2017.
IWH Speaker Series presentations
- New World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on rehabilitation in health systems. IWH Speaker Series. April 18, 2017.
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Collaborators and partners
- Toronto Institute of Rehabilitation
- University of Sao Paulo - Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- University of Toronto
- World Health Organization
Funded by
World Health Organization