TY - JOUR
T1 - A qualitative assessment of war-related rehabilitation needs and gaps in Ukraine
AU - Lawry, Lynn Lieberman
AU - Korona-Bailey, Jessica
AU - Hamm, Tiffany E.
AU - Maddox, John
AU - Janvrin, Miranda
AU - Juman, Luke
AU - Berezyuk, Oleh
AU - Smolinski, George
AU - Brim, William
AU - Koehlmoos, Tracey Perez
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2025.
PY - 2025/12
Y1 - 2025/12
N2 - Background: Ukraine’s Ministry of Health formally recognized rehabilitation as an essential component of universal health coverage in 2020. However, services remain fragmented and under-resourced, particularly following the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022. Widespread injuries due to trench warfare, drones, and large-scale ground combat have placed unprecedented strain on the Ukrainian trauma and rehabilitation systems, which continue to lack a cohesive national strategy. This study aimed to (1) assess the trauma and rehabilitation system in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict; (2) identify current needs, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening rehabilitation services; and (3) inform national and international stakeholders—including the United States and NATO—about urgent priorities to support Ukraine’s rehabilitation infrastructure, reintegration pathways, and gender-sensitive care delivery. Methods: We conducted 36 qualitative key informant interviews across all NATO levels of care using an adapted Global Trauma System Evaluation Tool. Thematic analysis focused on rehabilitation-related domains. Results: Respondents highlighted shortages in staff, equipment, and mental health integration. Rehabilitation remains unevenly implemented, with better access for military versus civilian patients. Care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and support for women’s equitable access were consistently cited gaps. Conclusions: Ukraine’s growing burden of war-related injuries necessitates urgent investment in a coordinated national rehabilitation strategy. Priorities include workforce development, equipment supply, mental health integration, and inclusive care models that address the needs of women and conflict related sexual violence survivors. Evidence-based rehabilitation, supported by validated training for clinicians, is essential for long-term recovery, societal reintegration, and national resilience.
AB - Background: Ukraine’s Ministry of Health formally recognized rehabilitation as an essential component of universal health coverage in 2020. However, services remain fragmented and under-resourced, particularly following the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022. Widespread injuries due to trench warfare, drones, and large-scale ground combat have placed unprecedented strain on the Ukrainian trauma and rehabilitation systems, which continue to lack a cohesive national strategy. This study aimed to (1) assess the trauma and rehabilitation system in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict; (2) identify current needs, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening rehabilitation services; and (3) inform national and international stakeholders—including the United States and NATO—about urgent priorities to support Ukraine’s rehabilitation infrastructure, reintegration pathways, and gender-sensitive care delivery. Methods: We conducted 36 qualitative key informant interviews across all NATO levels of care using an adapted Global Trauma System Evaluation Tool. Thematic analysis focused on rehabilitation-related domains. Results: Respondents highlighted shortages in staff, equipment, and mental health integration. Rehabilitation remains unevenly implemented, with better access for military versus civilian patients. Care for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and support for women’s equitable access were consistently cited gaps. Conclusions: Ukraine’s growing burden of war-related injuries necessitates urgent investment in a coordinated national rehabilitation strategy. Priorities include workforce development, equipment supply, mental health integration, and inclusive care models that address the needs of women and conflict related sexual violence survivors. Evidence-based rehabilitation, supported by validated training for clinicians, is essential for long-term recovery, societal reintegration, and national resilience.
KW - National strategies
KW - Rehabilitation
KW - Trauma system
KW - Ukraine
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105006909814&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1186/s41043-025-00912-4
DO - 10.1186/s41043-025-00912-4
M3 - Article
C2 - 40442850
AN - SCOPUS:105006909814
SN - 1606-0997
VL - 44
JO - Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
JF - Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
IS - 1
M1 - 175
ER -