Cochrane Rehabilitation Newsletter Issue 79 | December 2024

Issue 79 | December 2024

Cochrane Rehabilitation: eight years of impact and a bold new direction

As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on some of the most notable and transformative milestones in Cochrane Rehabilitation.

A milestone moment: the approval of the Thematic Group

One of the most significant developments in rehabilitation this year was the transition of Cochrane Rehabilitation from a Field to a Thematic Group. Now officially known as Cochrane Rehabilitation, Functioning, and Disability, this transformation was announced on September 9, 2024 (read more).
This transition represents a pivotal step in integrating rehabilitation within global health systems, underscoring the growing recognition of functioning and disability as central to health management.

Strategic reorganization for global impact

Cochrane’s reorganization reflects a strategic shift to enhance the quality and relevance of health research. The new Thematic Group structure fosters global collaboration among leading researchers and practitioners.
Under the leadership of Professor Stefano Negrini from the University of Milan, Italy, the Rehabilitation, Functioning, and Disability Thematic Group prepared to generate high-impact evidence syntheses that address pressing health needs, particularly for populations living with disabilities. The new structure introduces “Units,” each managed by a Chair and Vice-chair and tasked with defining targeted action plans aligned with the Group’s overarching goals. The Group is lead by a director and board of chairs.

Celebrating eight years of Cochrane Rehabilitation

Since its launch in December 2016, Cochrane Rehabilitation has been a cornerstone of knowledge translation, methodological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration. Its transition to a Thematic Group opens an exciting new chapter, expanding its focus to include sensory rehabilitation and mental health—two areas of critical global need that have often been underserved.
This transformation is timely and necessary, as functioning emerges as a vital health indicator alongside morbidity and mortality. Cochrane’s emphasis on disability as a driver of inequity and poverty reinforces the importance of tailored rehabilitation approaches, particularly for chronic health management, as well as the need for equitable access to all healthcare services for people with disabilities.

Looking ahead

As Cochrane embarks on this transformative phase, the Rehabilitation, Functioning, and Disability Thematic Group is well-positioned to advance evidence-based practices, improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities, and further integrate rehabilitation into global health systems.
For more details about Cochrane’s new structure and its implications for global health, visit the official announcement on Cochrane’s website.

• Sen EI. Which Bone-Modifying Agents Are Most Effective in Reducing Bone Loss in Women with Early and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer? – A Cochrane Review summary with commentary. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2024;24(4):332-5. Pubmed link – Full text link

• Young VM. Can pharmaceutical care interventions improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy in older adults? – A Cochrane Review summary with commentary. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2024;103(12):1142-4. Pubmed link – Full text link

We’d like to take a moment to thank our funders, the organizations, and the societies with which we have a partnership, the advisory board and advisory committee, the journals, the headquarters, the collaborators, the global community of volunteers that constantly help us and who are reading this and continue to support our work. Without all of you, none of this would be a reality. Your contribution and enthusiasm make it possible for us to passionately continue our mission.