Application of Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) Framework for Stroke Rehabilitation in the United States of America
Purpose of Review: The World Health Organization (WHO) Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) tool was developed to facilitate strategic planning and prioritization of rehabilitation as part of a larger effort to guide countries on better integrating rehabilitation in health systems. In this manuscript, we apply STARS to the United States and illustrate the challenges and opportunities for advancing discussions for prioritizing rehabilitation services to address the needs of Americans. Recent Findings: Rehabilitation services address a wide spectrum of needs for individuals experiencing limitations in everyday physical, mental, and social functioning due to injury, aging or a health condition. Nearly half of all Americans could benefit from receiving rehabilitation services; yet, limitations in the awareness of individual and societal benefits, the prioritization of rehabilitation care in the continuum of healthcare delivery, and geographic availability of rehabilitation professionals have collectively limited access to this essential service. Summary: This assessment of rehabilitation services identified several gaps in coordinated leadership, governance, and financing, which can be used by decision-makers, providers, and other shareholders to come up with cost-effective solutions for the expansion of rehabilitation services to meet the needs in the U.S.
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