Rehabilitation - definition for research purposes

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The Rehabilitation Definition for Research Purposes (RDRP), published in 2022 by Cochrane Rehabilitation, addresses discrepancies resulting from the multiplicity and heterogeneity of rehabilitation definitions hitherto used in the contexts of science, health, and social/legal aspects. The RDRP, based on the paradigm of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, provides clear-cut criteria for what rehabilitation includes and excludes. The final version of the RDRP achieved brad agreement among global stakeholders.

Material and methods: The translation methodology satisfied recommendations established by the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section and Board of the European Union of Medical Specialists. The translating group was composed of representatives of all professions constituting the rehabilitation team reflecting the specifics of the practice of rehabilitation, persons with disability, and linguist professionals.

Results: The article presents the Polish version of the RDRP, established through consensus among a broad representation of professions involved in rehabilitation and end users of rehabilitation.

Conclusions: RDRP may aid 1) researchers carrying original research and compiling original reports, by helping them to correctly define rehabilitation interventions; 2) authors of review papers, by providing clear-cut criteria for papers being considered for inclusion as concerned with rehabilitation; 3) those responsible for developing rehabilitation programmes in health care; 4) clinicians, in making decisions related to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: definition; evidence-based medicine; rehabilitation; research; translation.