Bookmarkers beware: Bookmarks to pages other than the home page may not work after we change our server in April Editor's Choice | This Week in BMJ | Press releases BMJ No 7131 Volume 316 News Saturday 21 February 1998 Investing in rehabilitation is beneficial Deteriorating rehabilitation services in Britain over the past decade are causing unnecessary dependence and misery, particularly among older people, say healthcare analysts. In a joint report, the King's Fund and the government's watchdog, the Audit Commission, say that services promoting rehabilitation have been squeezed out due to lack of investment, leaving people with few alternatives other than longer hospital stays, residential care, or complex and expensive home support packages. The authors call on health and local authorities to invest urgently in models of service that allow individuals to move towards greater independence after illness or injury, and in training staff in health institutions to act in ways that facilitate rehabilitation as well as treatment and prevention. Social and health services must pursue a joint approach, the report says, noting that models such as comprehensive geriatric assessment and individual care plans can reduce death rates by 35% and return admissions to hospital by 12% - effects greater than those seen for many accepted drug treatments. Other innovative examples noted are multidisciplinary stroke teams, cardiac rehabilitation programmes, and the use of family therapy for people with schizophrenia. A coauthor and head of community care at the King's Fund, Janice Robinson, says that a key problem is that rehabilitation is not a specific service with a clearly identifiable number of beds and staff but is a process that works across services. She said that unless new funding sources are made available commissioners will have to make tough choices about shifting funds from long term and acute care. Trends in Rehabilitation Policy and Effective Practice in Rehabilitation is available from the King's Fund, tel 0171 307 2591, price £10. Hilary Bower, London Home | Current issue | Past issues | Classified ads | Career Focus | Feedback Collections | About this site | About the BMJ | BMA | Medline