Optimal clinical pathway for adults with neurological conditions: rehabilitation

Neurological conditions result in physical, sensory and cognitive impairments and are a leading cause of complex disability. Rehabilitation aims to prevent the loss of, restore, and maintain function enabling people to care for their families, and remain in the workplace. It has been identified as a priority in NHS Long Term Plan.

Download the optimal clinical pathway here.

Reorganisation of stroke, trauma and heart attack services have led to greater numbers of survivors with significant brain injury(ischaemic, traumatic and hypoxic). Despite a 24% increase in admissions from neurological disorders in the 5 years to 2016/2017, rehabilitation beds have remained static over the same period.

For example, to meet the needs of patients in England with major trauma alone, there is an estimated need for a further 328 specialist inpatient beds. Patients experience long delays waiting for transfer to specialist rehabilitation centres, preventing efficient use of neurology, neurosurgery and trauma beds.

This pathway should be read alongside the other optimal clinical pathways that have been developed. The pathways set out good care and treatment for people with neurological conditions.

Download the optimal clinical pathway here.