New white paper identifies new paths to a better life
Based on a grant from VELUX FONDEN, a new white paper describes the status of rehabilitation efforts in Denmark, and presents recommendations for rehabilitation programmes that help an increasing number of Danes live independent and active lives.
30.03.2022 l More news
“For me, rehabilitation is about a dignified life. And about making everyday life work.” So says one of the eight users who have been involved in the work of preparing a new white paper on rehabilitation, which was launched at an event on 30 March.
A lot has happened in the field of rehabilitation since the first white paper was published back in 2004.
The field has developed, researchers have gained more knowledge of the effects of rehabilitation, and more people are being offered treatment, training or psychosocial interventions that can help them lead independent and active lives.
The white paper presents a definition of rehabilitation which is generally agreed upon in Denmark:
Rehabilitation is offered to people who experience or are at risk of experiencing limitations in their physical, mental, cognitive and/or social functioning in their day-to-day life. The purpose of rehabilitation is to enable a meaningful life with the highest possible level of activity, participation, mastery of daily tasks, and quality of life. Rehabilitation is a collaborative process between a person, their family, professionals and other relevant parties. Rehabilitation programmes are targeted, systematic and based on the person’s perspectives and overall life circumstances.
But how should we actually understand the concept of rehabilitation? What is the approach to rehabilitation in Denmark? What challenges do rehabilitation programmes encounter in practice, and what is needed to improve them? These are just some of the questions the book tries to answer.
More than 200 experts, together with a user panel, have contributed to the book, which among other things takes a closer look at the research and theories behind rehabilitation.
VELUX FONDEN started focusing on rehabilitation in 2003 and donated a grant for the work on the first white paper on the concept of rehabilitation. It was published in 2004.
The Executive Director of VELUX FONDEN Ane Hendriksen says of the new white paper:
“With input from experts and users, the white paper can help make key rehabilitation concepts clearer and at the same time point towards future improvements. It can contribute important perspectives and recommendations, such as the need for greater focus on user involvement and joint needs-assessment and decision-making.”
The white paper is published by Rehabilitation Forum Denmark in collaboration with DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region and the Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care (REHPA).
