Karen Whalley Hammell – författare

It explores issues that are central to rehabilitation, such as the nature of the body, the idea of independence, the rehabilitation process, evidence-based practice and client-centred practice. Seeking always to ground theoretical ideas in the realities of every-day rehabilitation practice, and drawing from a wealth of research evidence, the book continually examines the implications of these perspectives for the education, practice, service delivery, research and theoretical development of the rehabilitation professions.

Spinal cord injury produces a unique multiplicity of problems which must be clearly understood by the considerable numbers of health care and rehabilitation professionals involved in their lifetime management. This book assumes an educational approach to spinal cord injury management, in which the individual becomes an active participant in goal setting, problem solving, and in assuming self responsibility. Rehabilitation is discussed in terms of client empowerment, client-professional partnerships and examines the client in the context of his unique socio-cultural environment. This book attempts to present an educational and psychosocial model for the rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries. In line with this approach, the first chapters present a concept of empowerment in rehabilitation and of an educational view of the process of learning to live with a suddenly acquired disability. The medical aspects of spinal cord injury follow, with a study of aetiology, impairments, acute care, disability reduction and engagement in self care activities.The management of high lesions in a rehabilitation context is examined separately, since this is a highly specialised area and one which is largely ignored both in therapy literature and in professional practice. The final chapters focus upon psychological issues, and upon such issues as productivity, leisure, socialization which are important both in early phases of management and in the long term.

This book provides an inexpensive and accessible discussion of qualitative research and the potential role for qualitative research in enhancing both the theoretical bases of occupational and physical therapy and the knowledge bases that inform evidence-based practice. It is a comprehensive text for students in the rehabilitation disciplines with examples drawn from research undertaken by physical therapists and occupational therapists. The book provides a resource for graduate students, researchers new to the field and to clinicians who seek a greater understanding of qualitative research and its use within the professions of occupational and physical therapy.Coverage and Orientation Occupational and physical therapists are being urged to adhere to "evidence-based practice" because clients and payers want services that are based on evidence that demonstrates their effectiveness. Qualitative Research in Rehabilitation : informing evidence-based practice will be a timely, practical and practice-related exploration of qualitative research, client-centred practice and evidence-based practice as these inter-relate and as they pertain to occupational and physical therapy.