Inpatient rehabilitation in MS

Despite encouraging results from recent therapeutic trials in multiple sclerosis, unequivocal evidence for a clinically meaningful effect on disability is at best limited. Even if this situation improves, a substantial number of patients who are significantly disabled will remain so. Inpatient rehabilitation offers such patients the chance to acquire and use the knowledge and skills necessary for optimal physical, psychological and social functioning. Irrespective of the centre involved, there is a shared conceptual and practical framework to the provision of rehabilitation services, which is based on a multidisciplinary team approach, accurate assessment of patients and the use of patient-centred goal-setting programmes. Effective measurement of outcomes is also important, enabling informed changes to be made to delivery of care. This article introduces the key elements of successful programmes, and reviews some of the recent advances in evaluation through clinical outcome studies and integrated care pathways.