Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for

action
Overview

There is great variation across countries regarding the rehabilitation needs of the
population, characteristics of the health system and the challenges that face
rehabilitation. For this reason, it is important for each country to identify their own
priorities and develop a rehabilitation strategic plan. A rehabilitation strategic plan
should seek to increase the accessibility, quality and outcomes of rehabilitation.

To assist countries to develop a comprehensive, coherent and beneficial strategic plan,

WHO has developed Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for action. This resource
leads governments through a four-phase process of (1) situation assessment; (2)
strategic planning; (3) development of monitoring, evaluation and review processes; and
(4) implementation of the strategic plan. This process utilizes health system
strengthening practices with a focus on rehabilitation.

The Rehabilitation in health systems: guide for action provides practical help that directs
governments through the four phases and twelve steps. The process can take place at
national or subnational level. Typically phases 1 to 3 occur over a 12-month period,
while phase 4 occurs over the period of the strategic plan, around 5 years. The four
phases and accompanying guidance are outlined below.