Sept. 7, 2016
Europe
Practice
Engaging and empowering people and communities,
Reorienting the model of care,
Coordinating services within and across sectors
Outpatient rehabilitation services for working-age patients with brain injuries in Bern, Switzerland
An outpatient rehabilitation centre specifically adapted to the needs of working-age patients recovering from brain injuries was opened in Bern; Direct clinical experience of the multi-professional leadership team helped draw awareness to service delivery gaps and aided the design of practical services to address observed needs; co-location of providers within the rehabilitation centre increased service coordination and improved access for patients, while external networking between providers helped generate referrals; gradual expansion of the initiative allowed time for sufficient resources to be collected and necessary partnerships to be established, ensuring steady and sustainable growth.