Rehabilitation and recovery: a person-centred approach

1. Ministerial Foreword

Health and social care services across Scotland have been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and rehabilitation is no different. Individuals are now emerging with increasingly complex physical and mental health needs that require rehabilitation.

Considering these challenges we need to take a whole systems approach to delivering rehabilitation across Scotland. To do this, we will support services to remain accessible, and encourage new and innovative service delivery. In 2020 we committed to support this through the production of a "practical, accessible strategy to deliver quality rehabilitation".^[1] The publication of this paper marks the delivery of that ambition.

This Once for Scotland approach is based on Six Principles of Good Rehabilitation. It addresses these challenges and supports the delivery and development of rehabilitation. The approach focuses on the individual and puts them at the centre of their rehabilitation, supporting their needs and timely access to the rehabilitation they may need.

This approach will be supported by NHS Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), encouraging cross-sector working with third and leisure sectors to support community-based services and supported self-management.

At the heart of this approach is the desire to support individuals to live well with long-term conditions. It supports individuals to access meaningful rehabilitation that is based on their individual needs and is outcomes focused.

It has been developed in line with the emerging programme of work around Care and Wellbeing, NHS Recovery and Delivery Plans and the move towards a National Care Service.^[2] The overall approach emphasises the equal importance of mental and physical health, and the importance of integrated care, prevention, anticipation and supported self-management.