By the very nature of rehabilitation, incorporating guidelines into a manual of operations and procedures is challenging. It is therefore not the intention of this rehabilitation section to provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of the myriad of rehabilitation interventions that major trauma patients may need. Rather, it is intended to provide an overview of the key rehabilitation processes that will be required and the key rehabilitation themes that will need to be considered during the in-patient phase of the major trauma pathway. This will guide the reader to consider the broader aspects of the rehabilitation of the trauma patient and to seek help and guidance through the Network Co-ordination Service (NCS) where necessary.

A toolbox of assessment tools and outcome measures has also been provided (see separate manual) to aid patient management and to help to demonstrate improved outcomes for this patient population following the advent of the Trauma Network.

Dr Clive Bezzina

Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine

Dr Kate McGlashan

Clinical Lead for Trauma Rehabilitation

Helen Young

Trauma Rehabilitation Co-ordinator