This report was published on 24th November 2010 with support from the Bristish Society of Rehabilitation Medicine and has been written to help health professionals in accessing rehabilitative care for patients by improving understanding of clinical pathways, the field of competence and the role of rehabilitation specialists within teams. The report, examines the current state of rehabilitation medicine, and considers how it is likely to develop over the coming years. It is available to download free of charge.

The report revises the definitions around rehabilitation medicine, in line with current practice. It also places rehabilitation in the broader context of acute illness management, arguing that commissioning - in the format newly proposed by the coalition government - should support interdisciplinary practice and clinical pathways which reflect the widespread overlap with other areas of medicine. Standards of practice are also discussed in the context of the National Service Framework for long-term-neurological conditions.

The report argues that, while shorter-term programmes are functioning well, longer-term pathways need to integrate high-intensity treatments, greater consideration of the individual's participation in life, vocational needs, family relationships, and the need to return to as normal a life as possible.

Empirical proof of the effectiveness of rehabilitation is hard to gather. This document draws on evidence from a wide range of papers, reviews and Cochrane collaborations, to support the argument for increased investment in rehabilitation medicine for the future, embracing technological innovations and providing high-quality, personalised care.