Examining the unmet need for rehabilitation through a health policy lens: A focus on prevention, engagement and participation across the lifespan

In many jurisdictions, the capacity to provide rehabilitation is significantly restricted or non-existent and fails to address the population's needs sufficiently. The extent and scope of unmet rehabilitation warrants an immediate and collaborative international effort and action by all stakeholders. This viewpoint article examined the promotion of equity in addressing the unmet rehabilitation needs through public policy action and the health lens that considers access to rehabilitation services as a fundamental human right. Based on the principles of access, equity, respect and human dignity, we have included four recommendations including: 1) using a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation; 2) preventing disability and maximining functioning; 3) increasing the supply of rehabilitation professionals, and 4) engaging in meaningful activities. Furthermore, this paper provides recommendations to meet the World Health Organization’s sustainable development goals and discuss how health policy can address these goals. Take-home message: Individuals around the globe have a human right to access rehabilitation services regardless of status, creed, disability, age, ethnicity and gender. Clients, practitioners, and governments must work closely to improve rehabilitation professionals' access and focus on providing care through a biopsychosocial framework like the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and work disability prevention framework.