Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for action – Information Sheet

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for action (hereafter referred to as the Guide) helps governments strengthen their health systems in order to provide rehabilitation. It leads governments through a four-phase process of (1) rehabilitation situation assessment; (2) strategic planning; (3) development of a monitoring framework, evaluation and review processes; and (4) implementation of the strategic plan.

The Guide is in line with recommendations in WHO’s Rehabilitation in Health Systems and the Rehabilitation 2030 Call for Action. It responds to the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries by providing practical guidance, and seeking to strengthen rehabilitation leadership, planning, and integration across health systems.

The process of using the Guide requires government leadership, readiness, and commitment. Successful outcomes require cooperation between government, consultants, WHO, and in some instances, development partners. The process can take place at national or subnational level, typically over a 12-month period. It is recommended that all four phases are undertaken in the proposed sequence. However, WHO encourages tailoring the process to country contexts.

The four phases, 12 steps, accompanying guidance and tools are outlined in the diagram overleaf. Strengthening health systems to provide rehabilitation for all who need it is a priority and essential to achieving universal health coverage. A request from governments to WHO for technical support can initiate the process.