Article

This editorial considers how healthcare systems should approach the problems
associated with ongoing, persistent symptoms and limitations on a person's
ability to undertake activities.
It starts from the premise, established in the
first editorial, that the current reliance on the biomedical model of health and
illness is no longer 'fit for purpose', and is one major cause of current
difficulties within the health service. Among other problems, it may lead to the
marginalisation of rehabilitation services, especially when resources are
limited. This editorial describes and then highlights the implications of the
holistic, biopsychosocial model of illness. It also outlines the rehabilitation
process, demonstrating its similarity to the process used by medical services,
with the primary difference being the centre of attention: disease for medical
service, disability for rehabilitation services. The model of rehabilitation
emphasises: the importance of being patient-centred and goal-directed in
rehabilitation; the need for liaison by the team and learning by the patient; and
that the patient needs to be encouraged and enabled to practice wanted activities.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS