[Development of a flexible rehabilitation concept for a neurological in-patient rehabilitation program after stroke]

The aim was to develop an evidence-based treatment concept which describes a standard of performance for stroke patients in neurological follow-up rehabilitation, contracted by a statutory health insurance agency.

The treatment concept was developed in several steps: a) first of all, a systematic literature search for guidelines was conducted and an online discussion forum was established, followed by b) formation of an expert group, as well as c) two expert workshops, two working groups and several written follow-up surveys. The implementation of the concept was scientifically accompanied by project team members from the eight pilot facilities selected.

The treatment concept in its current version provides eleven modules, ten of which refer to the rehabilitation itself and one to the interface of acute care and rehabilitation. An innovative feature of this treatment concept is that the often contradictory demands for standardization and flexibility of individual cases according to the patients' needs are brought in line by freely selectable intensity standards. However, the commitment of a total minimum of therapy times is important. Since mid-March 2018, the treatment concept has been initially implemented in various pilot facilities occupied by the AOK Baden-Württemberg.

The evidence-based and consensus-based concept is characterized by being individually and flexibly applicable to the individual patient. In this way, it meets the given demands and fulfils the requirements of a heterogeneous group of patients. It is intended to incorporate the treatment concept into the routine healthcare services offered by the AOK Baden-Württemberg. In addition, the treatment concept will be the basis for the development of performance-based remuneration.