Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems; global progress and country approaches

At the #ISPRM2024 congress in Sydney, Dr. Pauline Kleinitz from the World Health Organization delivered an impactful keynote lecture on “Strengthening Rehabilitation in Health Systems: Global Progress and Country Approaches.” In a subsequent interview with Dr. Muhammad Tawab Khalil, co-chair of the ISPRM Communications Committee, Dr. Kleinitz elaborated on key strategies and the importance of integrating rehabilitation into health systems worldwide.

Key Approaches to Strengthening Rehabilitation

Dr. Kleinitz emphasized the importance of bringing together stakeholders, including government representatives, to recognize the need for enhancing rehabilitation services. “It’s about planning, integrating rehab planning into other health planning, developing the workforce, and ensuring that rehabilitation is integrated into health financing mechanisms,” she explained. This holistic approach is crucial, especially in low and middle-income countries where support for allied health therapists is often lacking.

Strategic Planning in Rehabilitation

Strategic planning is a critical component in strengthening rehabilitation services. Dr. Kleinitz described the process as bringing stakeholders together to assess the current situation and develop a comprehensive plan. This process often involves workshops, data collection, and consultation with various stakeholders to draft a plan that includes a vision, key objectives, and actions to achieve them. “The conversations during strategic planning are as important as the document that comes out of it,” she emphasized, highlighting the value of creating shared visions and understandings.

Case Study: Jordan’s Strategic Plan

Dr. Kleinitz shared her experience with assisting Jordan in developing a strategic rehabilitation plan. The process involved collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to collect baseline data, followed by a series of workshops to draft and finalize the plan. “Implementation is what counts; it’s the most important part,” she noted, stressing that plans must be actively used to inform government budgeting and planning cycles.

WHO Technical Products for Rehabilitation

WHO provides various technical products to support countries in strengthening their rehabilitation services. These include guides for strategic planning, financing decision-making, and defining benefit packages. Additionally, tools for workforce competency frameworks, assistive technology procurement, and emergency preparedness are available. Dr. Kleinitz described these resources as a “menu of options” that countries can use based on their specific needs.