Encompass Health Opens Call for 2025 Research Grant Applications to Advance Inpatient Rehabilitation Science
Encompass Health, one of the nation’s leading providers of inpatient rehabilitation services, has officially launched its request for research grant applications for the 2025 cycle. The organization invites researchers, clinicians, and scholars from across the United States and Puerto Rico to apply for funding that supports scientific exploration and innovation in the field of inpatient post-acute rehabilitation care. Applications are due by September 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and successful applicants may receive up to $60,000 in funding.
The 2025 research grant program underscores Encompass Health’s commitment to advancing evidence-based practices and improving patient outcomes within the post-acute care setting. By encouraging independent and collaborative research in a wide array of therapeutic disciplines, Encompass Health aims to close the gap between research and practice, stimulate innovation, and contribute to the broader rehabilitation community.
Open to All Qualified Applicants
One notable feature of the program is its inclusivity. Researchers do not need to be affiliated with Encompass Health to be eligible for funding. Additionally, proposed studies are not required to take place within Encompass Health’s network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. This open structure is designed to foster collaboration across institutions and support high-impact research from a wide range of academic, clinical, and professional settings.
By eliminating restrictions on institutional affiliation, Encompass Health seeks to cast a wide net for innovative ideas and multidisciplinary approaches to complex rehabilitation challenges. This openness aligns with the organization’s goal to drive research that can be broadly disseminated and translated into real-world clinical applications—both within and beyond Encompass Health facilities.
Funding Focus Areas: Addressing Key Priorities in Rehabilitation Science
The 2025 research grants are intended to support studies that examine the impact or effectiveness of therapies in inpatient rehabilitation settings, explore strategies in knowledge translation and implementation science, or evaluate other aspects of clinical practice and care delivery that influence patient outcomes.
Encompass Health has identified a set of high-priority research topics that are especially relevant for this grant cycle. These include:
- Impact or effectiveness of therapies on neurological impairments: Research exploring how specific interventions affect recovery in patients with conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological diagnoses.
- Efficacy of physical, occupational, speech therapy, or nursing interventions and assessments: Projects may investigate how different therapy disciplines contribute individually or collectively to patient progress during rehabilitation.
- Impact of therapy intensity or delivery mode on outcomes: This includes examining the role of therapy frequency, duration, or delivery methods (e.g., tele-rehabilitation vs. in-person) on patient functional recovery and experience.
- Influence of clinical interventions on patient outcomes and experience: Encompasses both qualitative and quantitative studies that assess how interventions affect not only clinical outcomes but also patient and caregiver satisfaction.
- Prevention or control of rehabilitation-related conditions: Research aimed at reducing complications such as pressure injuries, falls, or hospital readmissions during or after the inpatient rehabilitation stay.
- Evaluation of patient and caregiver education programs: Studies that investigate how educational initiatives impact knowledge retention, self-management, adherence to care plans, or long-term recovery outcomes.
- Performance improvement initiatives: Research into quality improvement measures that directly influence outcome data, including functional gains, discharge disposition, or rehospitalization rates.
- Case studies or case series examining impact on patient outcomes: While often viewed as exploratory, well-designed case studies can provide insight into novel interventions or atypical recovery trajectories.
- Implementation science in rehabilitation for neurological impairments: Projects that explore how best to implement proven research findings into clinical practice to improve care for patients with neurological conditions.
These focus areas were selected based on current gaps in rehabilitation literature, evolving clinical practice challenges, and the potential to yield actionable findings that enhance patient care.
Evaluation Criteria and Research Timeline
All grant applications will undergo a rigorous review process led by a panel of experts in rehabilitation medicine, clinical research, and healthcare administration. Submissions will be evaluated based on several key criteria, including:
- Scientific merit and originality of the research proposal
- Experience and qualifications of the principal investigator and research team
- Relevance of the study to Encompass Health’s objectives and priority topics
- Clarity and feasibility of research design and methodology
- Potential impact of the findings on clinical practice and patient outcomes
Applicants are strongly encouraged to design projects with realistic and achievable goals that can be completed within the designated timeline. All research funded through the 2025 grant cycle must be completed within 12 months of receiving the award. This time-bound approach ensures timely contributions to the field and encourages focused, well-managed investigations.
Moreover, all research must be conducted within the geographical boundaries of the United States or Puerto Rico, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and healthcare delivery contexts relevant to Encompass Health and its partners.
Supporting Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice
Encompass Health has long been a proponent of advancing rehabilitation through research, education, and clinical excellence. With more than 150 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals across the country, the organization plays a key role in shaping best practices in post-acute care. Through this annual grant program, Encompass Health seeks to build a bridge between clinical practice and scientific inquiry—empowering practitioners, scholars, and interdisciplinary teams to pursue questions that matter most to patients and providers.
By funding research into high-priority areas such as neurological rehabilitation, therapy optimization, and patient engagement, Encompass Health is contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions that can improve quality of life, promote functional independence, and reduce healthcare costs over time.
How to Apply
Researchers interested in applying for a 2025 research grant should begin by carefully reviewing the program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria. A complete application must be submitted by September 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Applicants should prepare a clear and comprehensive research proposal, including a statement of purpose, background literature, methodology, anticipated results, budget breakdown, and timeline. Supporting documentation such as CVs, letters of support, or institutional approvals (if applicable) should be included as specified in the application instructions.
Detailed information and application materials can be accessed through the Encompass Health research grant portal, available on the organization’s official website.
A Commitment to Advancing Rehabilitation Science
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Encompass Health remains dedicated to fostering a culture of research, learning, and continuous improvement. The 2025 research grant program reflects this commitment by investing in projects that have the potential to influence practice patterns, inform policy decisions, and ultimately enhance the standard of care for rehabilitation patients.
Whether led by seasoned researchers or emerging investigators, each funded study represents a step toward more personalized, effective, and compassionate care in the post-acute setting. Through this initiative, Encompass Health reaffirms its belief that research is not just an academic pursuit—but a vital tool for transforming lives.
