Models for integrating rehabilitation and primary care: a scoping study

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• The integration of rehabilitation and primary care services is crucial for comprehensive patient management.
• Existing literature provides varied insights into the scope and breadth of this integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and describe current knowledge on integrating rehabilitation and primary care services.
• To identify common models and influencing factors for successful integration.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EBM Reviews (1995-2007).
• 38 English or French articles describing integrated primary care and rehabilitation programs were selected and analyzed.
• No methodological limitations were applied to the evidence levels.

Main Results:

• Six distinct models of integrated rehabilitation and primary care were identified: clinic, outreach, self-management, community-based rehabilitation, shared care, and case management.
• Several themes emerged as critical supports or impediments, including team approach, interprofessional trust, leadership, communication, compensation, accountability, referrals, and a population-based approach.

Conclusions:

• Rehabilitation providers can leverage these identified models and themes to conceptualize their role and benefits within primary care settings.
• Understanding these integration strategies can facilitate the effective delivery of rehabilitation services in primary care environments.