Rehabilitation and recovery: a person-centred approach

4. The Framework

In August 2020, the Scottish Government published the Framework for Supporting People through Recovery and Rehabilitation during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic (referred to as the Framework). It sets out overarching principles and priorities for planning and delivering high-quality, person-centred rehabilitation and recovery services. The Framework committed to the delivery of a "practical, accessible strategy to deliver quality rehabilitation to everyone who needs it".

To support implementation of the Framework and the delivery of that commitment, the National Advisory Board for Rehabilitation (NABR) was established in December 2020. In early 2021, the NABR agreed the overall aim of this work:

"By the end of 2025 all adults who require rehabilitation will have timely access to the right information and services in the right place to support them to participate as actively as possible and enjoy the life they choose."

To support the development of a Once for Scotland approach, the NABR recognised the need for an accurate understanding of rehabilitation services. In May 2021 a self-assessment tool, in the form of an online survey, was launched. This survey gathered views and experiences from those working in rehabilitation services. During this period, input was also sought across third sector organisations by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).

The results from the Rehabilitation Framework Self-Assessment Tool: Analysis of Survey Responses and the Report of Third Sector Responses to Self-Assessment Tool by the ALLIANCE noted a need for strategic action at both a local and national level.

This further action is necessary in order for rehabilitation services to meet the increasing demands and challenges of the future. The combined findings from these two surveys have informed the Once for Scotland approach.