European consensus on core principles and future priorities for geriatric rehabilitation: consensus statement

Key summary points Aim The consensus statement about core principles and future priorities of geriatric rehabilitation has the aim to help healthcare providers which need strategies to support older people who have experienced functional decline. Findings Geriatric rehabilitation is now defined in a way that is compatible with existing service models across Europe. Message This consensus statement can provide a starting point for further development of geriatric rehabilitation. Purpose In response to the growing recognition of geriatric rehabilitation and to support healthcare providers which need strategies to support older people with frailty who have experienced functional decline, we developed a consensus statement about core principles and future priorities for geriatric rehabilitation. Methods We used a three-stage approach to establish consensus—preparation, consensus and review. Results The consensus statement is grouped under 11 headings from (1) “Definition of GR” to (11) “Effective strategies to develop GR in Europe”, which define geriatric rehabilitation in a way that is compatible with existing service models across Europe. Additionally future goals around research and education are highlighted. Conclusion The definitions of the consensus statement can provide a starting point for those wishing to further develop geriatric rehabilitation in their jurisdiction and help to develop strategic alliances with other specialties, serving as a basis for a pan-European approach to geriatric rehabilitation.