Towards the implementation of clinical quality management at the national level: description of current types of rehabilitation services for spinal cord injury/disorder in Switzerland using an interdisciplinary consensus process

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.06923-9 · Published: April 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Rehabilitation is a key health strategy aimed at reducing disability and increasing functioning in people with chronic health conditions, ensuring access to quality rehabilitation is a human right. The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-PRM) has developed a framework to strengthen rehabilitation and support clinical quality management using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This paper reports on the development of a framework of rehabilitation service types for spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) in Switzerland (“SCI/D Framework”).

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Representatives of 12 national medical societies, one political body in rehabilitation, one national interprofessional rehabilitation society

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The SCI/D Framework version encompassed 19 rehabilitation service types, structured in nine different clusters.
2
Six of the nine clusters were subdivided into general, other specific or SCI/D-specific rehabilitation service types.
3
The development of the SCI/D Framework confirms the applicability of the European Framework as the foundation for developing a national and health condition-specific framework.

Research Summary

This paper describes the development of a rehabilitation service type framework for spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) in Switzerland, called the SCI/D Framework, using a multistage consensus process. The framework includes 19 rehabilitation service types structured in nine clusters, some subdivided into general, specific, or SCI/D-specific types. The SCI/D Framework aims to refine quality criteria and standards for rehabilitation, address healthcare gaps, and guide optimal responses to meet the needs of individuals with SCI/D in Switzerland.

Practical Implications

National Healthcare Improvement

The SCI/D Framework can support national efforts to address any gaps in health care provision and guide an optimal response to meet the rehabilitation needs of persons with SCI/D in Switzerland.

Adaptation for Other Conditions and Countries

The development process illustrates a potential outline for developing similar frameworks for other health conditions and for other countries to follow in adapting the European Framework for their own country context.

Clinical Outcome Improvement

The framework can guide rehabilitation teams in their efforts to improve clinical outcomes over the lifespan and across the care continuum.

Study Limitations

1
Limited content feedback during the initial survey round necessitated a shift to a face-to-face consensus meeting to gather richer data.
2
Diversity of how rehabilitation services in Switzerland are organized, depending on the Swiss regions.
3
Lack of patient organization involvement in the development of the SCI/D Framework.

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