Embracing the complexity of rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis empowered by the resolution of the World Health Organization

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a historic resolution to strengthen rehabilitation in the health systems. It calls on governments and rehabilitation stakeholders to scale up rehabilitation. According to the global burden of disease database, it is estimated that one out of three persons worldwide can benefit from rehabilitation. Implementing the resolution is particularly challenging, given the complexity of neurorehabilitation for people with MS. A historical perspective of the development of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, including the foundation of professional rehabilitation organisations, highlights the significant progress made over the past 50 years. Research has also contributed by providing evidence and guidelines to support more predictable and better outcomes. In reality, rehabilitation is complex because MS changes over time and affects many aspects of life. It requires coordination among health care professionals and alignment with diverse and evolving personal goals. In this future perspective, we illustrate societal developments related to health and wellbeing and the challenges of delivering evidence-based, multi-faceted interdisciplinary rehabilitation for people with MS.