Functional recovery unit national map. FUN-RUN Map Project.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Rehabilitation
• Healthcare Services Research
• Health Policy Analysis

Background:

• Functional recovery units (FRUs) offer crucial bed-based reablement for adults experiencing functional decline.
• Despite proven efficacy, the development and accessibility of FRUs across Spain are notably uneven.
• This study addresses the need to map FRU availability and characteristics nationwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the territorial accessibility of Functional Recovery Units (FRUs) in Spain in 2024.
• To describe structure-process-outcome indicators within these units.
• To gather healthcare staff opinions on key performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilized a piloted online questionnaire distributed to eligible centers.
• Inclusion criteria focused on publicly funded geriatric rehabilitation units managed by physicians with MIR specialty.
• Fifty-five eligible centers were identified, and 32 completed questionnaires, yielding a 58% response rate.

Main Results:

• The study included 32 geriatricians with an average of 13.4 years of FRU experience, representing 11 provinces.
• A significant disparity was found in bed availability per capita for older adults (>65 and >80 years) between represented provinces and national averages.
• Staffing ratios (beds/doctor and beds/nurse) were detailed and compared against expert opinions.

Conclusions:

• A national consensus is essential for standardizing FRU recommendations and processes.
• Stratifying quality standards is necessary to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of FRUs.
• Integrating patient perspectives is crucial for improving overall care quality and standards in FRUs.