Survey on stroke rehabilitation in Europe (SUSTAIN-EU) to evaluate European stroke rehabilitation servicesShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, ISSN 1650-1977, E-ISSN 1651-2081, Vol. 58, article id jrm44888Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objective: This study aimed to assess the organization and delivery of post-stroke rehabilitation services across Europe, focusing on the role of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians.
Design and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted by the ESPRM Working Group of Stroke Rehabilitation from 30 European countries. The survey followed the International Classification of Service Organization in Rehabilitation framework and covered stroke care levels, rehabilitation services, registries, and quality control. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results: With an 81% response rate, the study revealed both commonalities and disparities in service provision in 30 European countries. Stroke unit rehabilitation was available in 90% of countries, and inpatient services in 100%. However, early supported discharge (53%), community-based rehabilitation (63%), and telerehabilitation (57%) were less common. Countries joining ESPRM after 1991 had significantly lower rates of early supported discharge (−48%, p=0.01) and communitybased care (−55%, p=0.02).
Conclusion: Despite widespread inpatient services, major gaps remain in community-and technologysupported rehabilitation. Addressing these disparities requires targeted policy changes, altered resource allocation, and enhanced training to ensure equitable and effective stroke recovery across Europe.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MJS Publishing, 2026. Vol. 58, article id jrm44888
Keywords [en]
Europe, health services, stroke rehabilitation
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy Neurology Rehabilitation Medicine Physiotherapy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-259393DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v58.44888ISI: 001854634600003PubMedID: 42605919Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105050511628OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-259393DiVA, id: diva2:2107213
2026-10-022026-10-022026-10-02Bibliographically approved