Article

A proposal for a conceptual description of rehabilitation was made in
2007 based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health. This conceptual description should foster the development of a common
understanding of rehabilitation and its professions. The present paper aims to
report on the development and current state of the discussions about this
conceptual description and to provide the current version, which has been adopted
by different European professional and scientific organizations. METHODS: First,
the history of the development of the conceptual description of rehabilitation is
reported. Secondly, suggestions for modifications or amendments are introduced,
and the resulting phrases and terms are presented and discussed. Discussion and
conclusion: One major change to the conceptual description of rehabilitation is
the explicit integration of the perspective of the disabled person. The
relationship between person and provider is characterized as a partnership.
However, it is argued that quality of life should not be introduced as a primary
goal of rehabilitation. This conceptual description can foster a common
understanding of the rehabilitation professions and provide a point of departure
for clarifying the role of different professions and services within the broad
field of rehabilitation. It can also serve to position rehabilitation as a major
health strategy and to sharpen the perception of rehabilitation among external
stakeholders.

Langue : ANGLAIS