Cochrane Rehabilitation Newsletter Issue 4 | December 2025

GUIDE‑Rehab: bringing clarity to rehabilitation interventions
After several years of work, involving many collaborators, we are very happy to announce the publication of the GUideline for Intervention DEscription in Rehabilitation (GUIDE- Rehab), a new consensus-based reporting guideline designed to address the challenges in clearly describing the complex nature of interventions for rehabilitation, often referred to as a “black box.” Developed through a multistakeholder process and based on the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS), GUIDE- Rehab aims to improve the transparency and reproducibility of rehabilitation research by requiring authors to specify the active ingredients, targets, and underlying theory of their interventions. The guideline offers different versions, including a complete 16-item list, a short form, and a graphical representation, to facilitate detailed reporting of study interventions, comparisons, and even crucial background treatments often underspecified as “usual care.” Ultimately, GUIDE- Rehab seeks to advance evidence-based rehabilitation by enhancing the quality of research reporting for researchers, clinicians, patients and policymakers. Read the full text here.

New Cochrane overview on governance arrangements in rehabilitation
We are pleased to announce the publication of our new Cochrane overview on governance arrangements in rehabilitation, developed in collaboration with the WHO Rehabilitation Programme. This work is part of a series of four overviews synthesizing the best available evidence from health policy and systems research (HPSR) across the key pillars identified by the EPOC taxonomy: delivery arrangements, financial arrangements, governance arrangements, and implementation strategies. This first overview focuses on governance—examining the rules, processes, and structures that shape authority, accountability, transparency, participation, and coherence within rehabilitation systems. By mapping existing evidence, highlighting gaps, and guiding policymakers toward relevant systematic reviews, this work aims to strengthen decision‑making and support the development of more effective, equitable, and evidence‑informed rehabilitation policies worldwide. Read the full text here.

IALP Survey for Professionals in Low- and Middle-Resourced Countries

The International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) has launched an important global survey to better understand the needs of professionals working with people who have speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders in low- and middle-resourced countries. Education, training, and services for communication disorders are often limited in these regions compared to high-resourced countries. This survey will help identify how professionals can be better supported and how international collaborations can strengthen services worldwide. Findings will be anonymised and shared at conferences and through partner organisations.

Who can participate? Professionals such as speech and language therapists, logopedists, phoniatricians, audiologists, or dual-qualified practitioners working in low- or middle-resourced countries.

Survey length: Approx. 15 minutes.

Languages: Available in English, WHO official languages, and other translations (via drop-down menu).

Ethics approval: University of the West of England, Bristol.

Closing date: 31 January 2026, 5pm CET.

👉 Complete the survey here: IALP Survey Link

🔗 Learn more about IALP here.

Cochrane Rehabilitation at ESPRM 2026: shaping the future of Evidence in Rehabilitation
At the upcoming 25th Congress of the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ESPRM), that will be hosted at Krakow, Poland from 23 – 27 March 2026, the Cochrane Rehabilitation Thematic Group will take the stage with a dedicated session designed to highlight its growing role in advancing evidence-based rehabilitation. The program brings together leading experts from across Europe to present innovative tools such as the new GUIDE-Rehab reporting framework, explore key themes on functioning and quality of life, and share insights from overviews of reviews in health policy and systems research. With contributions from Carlotte Kiekens, Stefano Negrini, Sara Rubinelli, and Francesca Gimigliano, the session promises a rich exchange of perspectives and practical resources. A final discussion and Q&A will open the floor to all participants, ensuring that the dialogue extends beyond presentations and fosters collaboration. This event represents an important opportunity to connect research, practice, and policy, reinforcing Cochrane Rehabilitation’s mission to strengthen the evidence base for rehabilitation worldwide. For more information, visit ESPRM website.