Postacute rehabilitation research and policy recommendations

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Policy Analysis

Background:

• A 2007 symposium convened diverse stakeholders to discuss post-acute rehabilitation.
• Participants included government agencies, insurers, providers, patients, and researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize research findings and health policy recommendations from the symposium.
• To identify a research agenda and evidence base for practice and public policy in post-acute rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Roundtable discussions and theme-specific break-out sessions were conducted.
• Participants addressed knowledge gaps, research barriers, priorities, and policy implications.

Main Results:

• Key themes included the need for improved case-mix and treatment measures.
• A uniform post-acute rehabilitation care system is needed for common data.
• Addressing underutilization and overutilization of services is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Cooperation among payers, providers, and researchers is essential for advancing rehabilitation effectiveness research.
• Developing payment policies based on research evidence is a priority.