Purpose: In response to the growing recognition of geriatric rehabilitation and to support healthcare providers which need strategies to support older people with frailty who have experienced functional decline, we developed a consensus statement about core principles and future priorities for geriatric rehabilitation.
Methods: We used a three-stage approach to establish consensus-preparation, consensus and review.
Results: The consensus statement is grouped under 11 headings from (1) "Definition of GR" to (11) "Effective strategies to develop GR in Europe", which define geriatric rehabilitation in a way that is compatible with existing service models across Europe. Additionally future goals around research and education are highlighted.
Conclusion: The definitions of the consensus statement can provide a starting point for those wishing to further develop geriatric rehabilitation in their jurisdiction and help to develop strategic alliances with other specialties, serving as a basis for a pan-European approach to geriatric rehabilitation.
Keywords: EuGMS; European consensus; Frailty; Functional decline; Geriatric rehabilitation.