The system for medical rehabilitation in Croatia

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the framework for medical rehabilitation in Croatia and to discuss its influence on the practice of the specialty.

Methods: Collection, analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to the need for medical rehabilitation in the country and to its elements of structure, process and outcome of care.

Results: The practice of medical rehabilitation in Croatia has evolved without strategic planning on the national level and therefore without a designed system. This lack in the present framework causes shortcomings in all three elements of rehabilitation care and impedes the advancement of the specialty.

Conclusion: Medical rehabilitation in Croatia needs a national strategic plan for a three-level system that incorporates inpatient, outpatient and community-based rehabilitation.