Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems
Rehabilitation Resources
ReLAB-HS
This curated selection of rehabilitation-focused publications and tools was developed through the Learning, Acting and Building for Rehabilitation in Health Systems (ReLAB-HS) project. These resources cover critical topics including workforce development, policy and planning, health systems integration, and service delivery.
Whether you’re a policymaker, practitioner, researcher, or advocate, these materials are designed to support your efforts to strengthen rehabilitation within health systems around the world.
Project Publications
Rehabilitation Tools
- Feasibility, Effectiveness, and Scalability of a Digital Case Management Tool for a Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Program in Laos - Published August 1, 2023
Digital tools are increasingly used in community-based rehabilitation efforts, though their application in low-resource settings remains limited. The CBID Modular Tool in Laos offers insights relevant to similar telerehabilitation efforts, such as those in ReLAB-HS.
Strengthening Rehabilitation Globally
- Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology are Essential Components of Universal Health Coverage - Published September 27, 2023
On September 21, 2023, UN Member States adopted a new Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage, affirming commitment to health for all. This article explores advocacy opportunities to better integrate rehabilitation and assistive technology, drawing on ReLAB-HS' work in Burma, Pakistan, and Uganda.
- Using the World Health Assembly Resolution as a Tool to Strengthen Local and National Advocacy for Rehabilitation - Published January 26, 2024
This guidance note was developed to support the translation of the World Health Assembly resolution “Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems” into action by empowering advocates to drive policy and programmatic change through local and national advocacy efforts.
Uganda
- Uganda Country Brief - Published September 9, 2023
Uganda faces a growing need for accessible rehabilitation and assistive technology services, challenged by limited implementation of WHO guidelines and a high disability prevalence rate of 12.4%. This is driven by rising communicable and non-communicable diseases, injuries, and an ageing population. ReLAB-HS worked to address these gaps and strengthen rehabilitation within Uganda’s health system.
- Rehabilitation in Uganda: A Call to Action - Published September 19, 2023
This policy brief highlights the urgent need for better-funded rehabilitation and assistive technology services in Uganda. Despite recognition, services face funding gaps, staffing shortages, and fragmented delivery. The brief recommends evidence generation, coalition-building, and increased investment to strengthen rehabilitation within Uganda's health systems.
- Integrating Rehabilitation into Health Systems: Lessons Learned from the National Clubfoot Programme Uganda - Published April 2, 2024
Uganda’s National Clubfoot Programme, launched in 2017, aims to strengthen clubfoot treatment through health system integration. ReLAB-HS conducted a qualitative study to assess its implementation, highlighting ways to improve clubfoot care and offering insights for better integrating rehabilitation services into health systems.
- Are Primary Health Care Systems Ready to Integrate Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Services in Uganda? - Published October 16, 2024
ReLAB-HS aimed to integrate rehabilitation into Uganda’s primary health care, addressing limited access caused by staff shortages and urban-centered services. In districts like Gulu and Lira, it developed community-based strategies to expand access in line with WHO goals.
- Summary Results of the Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) in Uganda - Published November 9, 2024
In July 2023, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, supported by ReLAB-HS, conducted a national rapid Assistive Technology Assessment household survey to assess access to and use of affordable, quality assistive technology. The findings highlighted met and unmet needs, barriers to access, and levels of user satisfaction.
Pakistan
- ReLAB-HS - Pakistan Country Brief - Published December 20, 2023
ReLAB-HS addressed the urgent need for rehabilitation and assistive technology in Pakistan’s under-resourced health system. Challenges like workforce shortages, limited resources, and system fragmentation hinder service delivery. Focusing on the Swat and Thatta districts, ReLAB-HS partnered with local actors to co-design solutions, deliver training, and expand access.
- Rehabilitation in Pakistan: A Call to Action - Published December 12, 2023
Rehabilitation in Pakistan is largely overlooked, despite its importance for millions. This study highlights systemic barriers and urges better planning, funding, and integration to make it a health priority.
- Integrating Wheelchair Service Training into University Curricula: Learnings from Pakistan - Published September 6, 2024
This policy brief explores ReLAB-HS's wheelchair service training and advocates for integrating wheelchair service training into university curricula to address the global shortage of skilled providers. The recommendations aim to improve the quality and accessibility of wheelchair services, enhancing the mobility and quality of life for individuals who rely on wheelchairs.
- Global Wheelchair Service Training Development (reference document to Integrating wheelchair service training into university curricula: Learnings from Pakistan) - Published September 6, 2024
- Paving the Path for Quality Assistive Products and Services in Pakistan - Published October 1, 2024
In Pakistan, there is a significant lack of regulations for the quality of assistive products and assistive technology services. To address this, ReLAB-HS supported stakeholders in holding a policy roundtable to develop context-specific solutions and recommendations.
- Financing Solutions to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Assistive Products in Pakistan - Published October 1, 2024
In Pakistan, most assistive technology users bear the cost themselves, resulting in a large unmet need for assistive products. Existing reimbursement systems are limited, fragmented, and mainly benefit a small group, causing confusion and inefficiencies. To address these issues, ReLAB-HS supported a policy roundtable with key stakeholders to develop practical solutions and targeted recommendations.
Burma
- ReLAB-HS: Burma Closeout Brief - Published March 28, 2024
ReLAB-HS concluded its work in Burma in September 2023, having made key progress since 2021 despite political instability. It partnered with local stakeholders to strengthen rehabilitation and assistive technology services within the informal health system and advocated for their inclusion in national plans, laying groundwork for future efforts.
- Integrating Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies into Community Programs: Lessons from Kayin State, Burma - Published April 2, 2024
In Burma, ReLAB-HS conducted interviews and case studies to assess initiatives improving access to rehabilitation and assistive technology services. This Policy and Practice Implication Note highlights four successful case studies from 17 organizations in Kayin State, emphasizing sustainable, replicable, and culturally appropriate practices from local organizations.
- ReLAB-HS: Burma Country Brief - Published October 29, 2024
ReLAB-HS selected Burma as one of its four focus countries to address the urgent need for rehabilitation and assistive technology among vulnerable populations. The initiative developed innovative, cost-effective solutions to strengthen health systems and improve access to essential services in the country.