A patient-centred ICF-based comprehensive framework for rehabilitation in Austria: Development and implementation

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Management
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Austria's rehabilitation system historically lacked personalization, alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), and measurable quality indicators.
• Rehabilitation services were primarily disease-centered, heterogeneous, and lacked individualization, managed by social insurance institutions like Pension Insurance Austria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a unified, patient-centered, and evidence-informed rehabilitation model in Austria.
• To integrate policy, quality, and practice using a biopsychosocial approach and international standards.
• To establish measurable quality indicators for rehabilitation services.

Main Methods:

• A co-creation process involving interdisciplinary staff focus groups was employed.
• Implementation across 17 Austrian centers required process and IT adaptations, alongside capacity building.
• Thirteen key performance indicators (KPIs) were established for monitoring and evaluation.

Main Results:

• All centers adhered to six key performance indicators, including patient/staff satisfaction and functional status assessment.
• Challenges involved consistent ICF application, individualized goal-setting, and tailored therapy planning.
• Strong leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and early IT engagement were critical enablers.

Conclusions:

• The Comprehensive Framework for Rehabilitation Standards, Practices, and Services operationalized international standards into a scalable national model.
• The ICF-based design proved large-scale, patient-centered, and participation-oriented rehabilitation is achievable via structured change management.
• Future research should evaluate long-term outcomes and adaptability across diverse health systems.