In a broad HTA analysis, the benefit of early rehabilitation for seriously ill patients in the intensive care unit was investigated and an analysis of the care situation was prepared. In its report, the Swiss Medical Board (SMB) compared ‘systematic early rehabilitation’, as the most common form of rehabilitation, with other forms of rehabilitation. The report concludes that, from the point of view of the patient, rehabilitation is fundamentally desirable. Indeed, although studies demonstrate only modest benefits for all forms of rehabilitation, due to the low risks and low costs, systematic early rehabilitation can continue to be applied.