Author Description

Knowledge of the techniques of rehabilitation is an increasingly important component of training in a range of medical and surgical specialities. It is now recognized that rehabilitation medicine requires specific training and has evolved as a distinct medical speciality. This trend has been encouraged by the move away from acute hospital care, towards care and services delivered in the community setting. The practice of rehabilitation medicine produces real benefits, which can be measured in terms of improved function, fewer complications, better co-ordination, cost-effectiveness and the general education of health professionals, the disabled person and their family. This text, aimed at all members of medical staff involved in the care of the disabled or handicapped patient serves to outline the underlying principles of rehabilitation medicine and provide information about the benefits of applying the relevant principles and techniques. There are chapters on the management of general physical and psychological disabilities, as well as consideration of specific disabling conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke. The book also addresses the measurement of disability, its epidemiology, organizational aspects of the delivery of a rehabilitation service and introduces the concepts of the rehabilitation team and the generic rehabilitation specialist.