# COMMONALITIES IN REHABILITATION DATA ACROSS DIVERSE HEALTH CONDITIONS: A COMPARISON OF SEVEN LARGE EUROPEAN DATABASES

## TL;DR

This study compares seven European rehabilitation databases to find common data patterns and gaps, aiming to improve standardized data collection for better patient care.

## Contribution

The study identifies commonalities and inconsistencies in rehabilitation data across diverse health conditions and care settings in Europe.

## Key findings

- Pain and quality of life are frequently reported outcomes, while discharge status and participation measures are rarely documented.
- Baseline data on diagnosis, anthropometry, and demographics are consistently recorded, but gait autonomy and daily activity assessments are inconsistent.
- Data collection is fragmented and focused on biomedical aspects, with insufficient psychosocial and contextual variables.

## Abstract

To investigate whether rehabilitation data share common characteristics across different health conditions and care settings within the EU Horizon PREPARE project.

Qualitative content analysis, with a comparative study of existing clinical databases.

Individuals with hand and wrist disorders, idiopathic scoliosis, intermittent claudication, lower limb amputation, Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism, hip or knee replacement, and temporomandibular disorders.

Seven rehabilitation-oriented clinical databases were analysed using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Variables were categorized as outcomes, modifiers, or baseline measurements. Commonalities and differences across data domains were identified through iterative consensus meetings among PREPARE partners.

Substantial heterogeneity was observed in data type and depth. Pain and quality of life were the most commonly reported outcomes, whereas discharge status and participation-related measures were rarely reported. The most prevalent modifiers were pharmacological treatments, orthoses or prostheses, and exercise-based interventions. All databases reported baseline information on diagnosis, anthropometry, and demographics; however, assessments of gait autonomy and daily activities were inconsistently documented.

Despite some overlapping domains, rehabilitation data collection remains fragmented and predominantly focused on biomedical aspects. Greater standardization and systematic inclusion of psychosocial and contextual variables are needed for robust predictive modelling and personalized rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is vital to healthcare, yet data collection remains inconsistent. Although numerous clinical databases exist, little is known about the similarities and differences in rehabilitation data across illnesses and settings. In this study, we analysed 7 European rehabilitation databases to identify what information is typically recorded and what is missing. We found that diagnosis, pain level, and overall well-being are often measured, whereas details on how well a patient can walk, perform self-care, or participate in social life after leaving hospital are often lacking. These gaps make it difficult for healthcare providers to compare results or create the best recovery plans for individuals. By standardizing the information we collect, we can improve decision-making and ensure every patient receives care tailored to their specific needs.