The Academy’s Quality & Research work advances physical medicine and rehabilitation by developing high‑quality clinical guidance, engaging in the review and participation of external clinical practice guidelines, defining the Academy’s data strategy and leading organizational quality initiatives, including patient safety. This work supports and helps actualize the Academy’s BOLD initiative by ensuring that evidence, data and quality efforts clearly demonstrate the value of PM&R across the health care system. Our coordinated approach promotes evidence‑informed, patient‑centered care while advancing research efforts focused on demonstrating the clinical, functional, and economic benefits of rehabilitation to patients, health systems, and society. These efforts are carried out through a defined committee structure led by the Quality & Research Strategic Coordinating Committee and supported by standing committees focused on data strategy, clinical guidance and guideline review.
Quality & Research Strategic Coordinating Committee (QR‑SCC)
The Quality & Research Strategic Coordinating Committee provides overarching direction and alignment across Quality & Research activities. Its role is to ensure coordination among committees, promote consistency in approach and support strategic priorities related to evidence, guidance, and data.
The committee focuses on:
Data Strategy Steering Committee (DSSC)
The Data Strategy Steering Committee focuses on how data can best support the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Rather than emphasizing data collection alone, the committee prioritizes clarity around purpose, value and alignment.
Key areas of focus include:
Evidence, Quality and Performance Committee (EQPC)
The Evidence, Quality and Performance Committee supports efforts to ensure that clinical guidance and quality‑focused initiatives are grounded in sound evidence and clear methodology.
The committee’s work emphasizes:
Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee (CPGC)
The Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee evaluates clinical practice guidelines to determine their relevance and methodological quality for the specialty of PM&R. The committee focuses on assessment of guideline development processes rather than directing patient care.
Core areas of focus include:
AAPM&R Registry Project
The Academy’s Registry project concluded in December 2025 after completing its planned scope of work. The Registry generated valuable insights into real‑world rehabilitation data and quality measurement, informing the Academy’s shift toward a more strategic, purpose‑driven data approach that emphasizes alignment, governance and meaningful demonstration of the value of PM&R care.
Supporting the Specialty
At its core, Quality & Research work is about supporting the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation—helping physiatrists navigate a complex health care environment, contribute to multidisciplinary care, and deliver evidence‑informed, high‑quality services that improve function, value, and quality of life while clearly articulating rehabilitation’s contribution to the health care system.