The development of rehabilitation services in Germany is recognized by the international community as a service characterized by a highly structured, multidisciplinary and legally sound approach to providing rehabilitation services to the population. The functioning and development of rehabilitation services in Germany are regulated by the Social Code, within which there is a special IX section “Rehabilitation and participation of people with disabilities” (SGB IX - Sozialgesetzbuch Neuntes Buch). This provides a comprehensive legal framework for rehabilitation and social inclusion. The law guarantees the right to medical, vocational and social rehabilitation for people with disabilities or those at risk of becoming disabled. The main focus of the law is coordination between different service providers, including health insurance, pension insurance, accident insurance and employment services [1]. The law also ensures a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to the development of rehabilitation.
The German rehabilitation system has an effective structural and functional framework that covers the issues of medical, vocational and social rehabilitation. In Germany, rehabilitation services are provided through a wide range of inpatient and outpatient facilities. A multidisciplinary team, which may include doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, coordinates the activities. A notable aspect is the legal principle of early intervention: rehabilitation should begin as soon as the need is identified in order to improve outcomes and prevent chronic. Germany is actively implementing digital innovations in rehabilitation. The integration of tele-rehabilitation, electronic patient records and mobile health apps ensure continuity of care. This is important, especially in rural areas and among older patients.
Germany has also embraced digital innovations in rehabilitation. The integration of tele-rehabilitation, electronic patient records, and mobile health applications has improved continuity of care, particularly in rural and aging populations. The 2018 reform known as the Bundesteilhabegesetz (Federal Participation Act) introduced amendments to SGB IX that expanded individual rights and further individualized the provision of services, focusing on the personal goals and living environment of each person [2].
Despite these advances, several challenges remain, such as regional disparities in access to services, increasing demand due to demographic change, and the ongoing need to better integrate rehabilitation with long-term care systems. However, the existence of a specific legal framework like SGB IX places Germany among the countries that have institutionalized rehabilitation as a fundamental right and component of public health.
Conclusion. The Social Code (SGB IX) plays a central role in guaranteeing access to rehabilitation, coordinating service provision and promoting the integration of people with disabilities. Germany therefore offers a well-developed and legally supported rehabilitation model that integrates medical, vocational and social aspects.
The German experience shows how a legal framework, early intervention, interdisciplinary teamwork and innovation can contribute to an effective and person-centred rehabilitation system. This model can serve as a valuable reference for other countries seeking to strengthen rehabilitation within their health and social care systems.
References:
1. Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales. (2018). Sozialgesetzbuch IX – Rehabilitation und Teilhabe von Menschen mit Behinderungen. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9/
2. Koch, N., Möller, A., & Meffert, C. (2021). Digital transformation in rehabilitation – opportunities and barriers in the German health care system. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06437-5
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