Evidence to date suggests that nurses are an under-utilised resource in rehabilitation, both in the hospital and in the home, and this could be explored further. The consultation exercise drew attention to the need for research into the post-discharge needs of particular patient groups, such as elderly people and those with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke or diabetes. To commission systematic reviews of existing evidence on rehabilitation services at the interface especially the role of physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists without duplicating work recommended by the CRDC advisory group on physical and complex disabilities. The burden of chronic disease and the cost of services is high to the NHS, to the patients themselves and their carers. Policy Studies Institute, London.
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