Predictors of Rehabilitation Outcomes: A Comparison of Israeli and Italian Geriatric Post-Acute Care (PAC) Facilities Using the Minimum Data Set (MDS)

We found support for the hypothesis that differences in sociodemographic and clinical factors cannot account for all differences in ADL improvement, and that the organization of care and constraints of the health system also influence functional outcomes. Policymakers should examine the policy-amenable features of the Italian and Israeli systems so that optimal ADL recovery can be encouraged. Any reduction in disability will help both patients and the health care system; slightly higher short-term PAC treatment costs may have large long-term future benefits, if they result in the reduction of ADL disability. This study is one of the first to examine outcomes of PAC in 2 countries, and can provide an initial assessment of how rehabilitation can be enhanced or limited by health policies and staffing patterns.