Rehabilitation Access for Rheumatic Patients Declines, Impacting Quality of Life in Sweden

Access to rehabilitation services for individuals with rheumatic diseases in Sweden has significantly deteriorated over the last five years, raising concerns about the long-term health and independence of patients. Lotta Håkansson, president of the Rheumatology Association, highlights that rehabilitation is crucial for enabling patients to remain active and maintain their work capacity.

A national survey conducted by the Rheumatology Association in spring 2026, with over 6,000 respondents, revealed that 84% believe rehabilitation is vital to their health and daily functioning. Among those who received rehabilitation, about 75% reported substantial health improvements: 84% felt better equipped to manage everyday life, 60% experienced increased work capacity, and 81% became more physically active. However, 42% of patients said they had not received any form of rehabilitation, with 70% of that group expressing a desire for such services.

The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the reduction in rehabilitation availability, compounded by ongoing budget cuts that frequently target rehabilitative care for resource savings. In response, the Swedish Parliament recently passed a proposal requiring municipalities to appoint medically responsible persons for rehabilitation services.

The Rheumatology Association now calls for a national strategy and concrete action plan from the Socialstyrelsen to improve access to rehabilitation. They emphasize the urgency of increased resources and legislative support to ensure all individuals with rheumatic conditions can access necessary rehabilitation and live fulfilling, independent lives.

This situation reflects a broader challenge within Sweden's healthcare system to balance resource allocation while meeting the rehabilitative needs of chronic disease patients. Failure to address these shortcomings risks diminishing patients' quality of life and their ability to participate in society and the workforce effectively.