Evaluation of a medical-rehabilitation integration model to improve rehabilitation service efficiency in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the association of the medical‒rehabilitation services in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital through the implementation of a medical-rehabilitation integration model.

Methods: Nantong Rehabilitation Hospital was used as a representative case. The effects of implementing the medical-rehabilitation integration model on medical service delivery models, medical resource utilization, and the operational efficiency of major disease categories were evaluated using comparative data analysis and other analytical approaches.

Results: Following implementation of the medical-rehabilitation integration model, which encompassed acute-phase management, early rehabilitation intervention, the rehabilitation phase, and long-term management, continuity across all stages of diagnosis and treatment was achieved. This integrated approach addressed patients' comprehensive and individualized needs related to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Indicators of medical resource utilization and the operational efficiency of major disease categories showed significant improvement after implementation.

Conclusions: The medical-rehabilitation integration model was associated with enhanced medical resource utilization, optimized the operational efficiency of disease categories, and improved patient satisfaction through multidisciplinary collaboration, early rehabilitation intervention, information support, and process optimization. Strengthening the three-tier rehabilitation service chain, reinforcing the integrated development of clinical practice, education, and research, and ensuring sustained policy and resource support are necessary to promote the long-term development of the medical-rehabilitation integration model.