Domains of research, development and strategic planning in rehabilitation medicine

Rehabilitation systems are almost universally struggling to maintain or improve their standings. In this sense it is very useful to draw strategic plans for research and development taking into consideration the characteristics of the profession and, at the same time, the environment where they perform. Five domains of activities can be identified in this sense: measurement of clinical outcomes (including cost/effectiveness and quality assurance), services delivery: the continuum of care, technologies/procedures, pharmacological treatments and opportunities (''niches''). Each domain is described and the different possibilities analyzed. Each system--regional, national--or even a facility should make a selection of what fits their strategic plan best and which modality can be easily incorporated and where human and material resources exist or can be acquired. The need for the justification of the rehabilitation services looks by now as a must, universally.