Ten years neurologic follow up--part of the "Vorarlberg Rehabilitation Model"

Within our framework of "comprehensive and permanent" rehabilitation, the follow-up neurological rehabilitation service is an important element. Based on the findings of an anterospective computerized documentation, a ten year survey is given concerning more than 600 patients and over 15,000 home visits. Aside general epidemiologic data, such as age, gender distribution, etc., our findings above all show that improvements in rehabilitation profiles can be achieved even after prolonged periods of time (i.e., 12 months and over) after onset. This, for one thing, may help in countering a widespread rehabilitation pessimism and, for another, serve in motivating the responsible cost-carrying agencies to pay increased attention to the field of neuro-rehabilitation. Literature concerning systematic assessment of long-term rehabilitation outcomes is sparse and fragmental. Available data to a large extent are in line with our findings. Further accompanying rehabilitation research into these respects is urgently needed. A number of important service delivery/organizational aspects have in addition been traced, which we are already trying to implement within our Vorarlberg rehabilitation model.