Design for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation by Pasha, Samira; McCuskey Shepley, Mardelle;

Short description:

This book provides a brief introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and its historical and global context for readers interested in the role of design. It lays the groundwork for making design decisions by sharing available standards, project case studies, environment & behaviour literature, and applicable theories.

Long description:

Rehabilitation is an essential part of the healthcare continuum and can benefit both the individual and the community. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation addresses a vast group of health conditions including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory cases, as well as sensory impairments that can lead to developmental delays. Patients preparing for surgery, recovering from trauma, or receiving treatment for cancer can all benefit from rehabilitative programs to improve their health outcomes. Athletes and otherwise healthy individuals can also benefit from the science of physical and sports medicine to improve performance and recovery time.

This book provides a brief introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and its historical and global context for readers interested in the role of design. It introduces various settings where rehabilitation can be provided and their relevant patient demographics, influential trends, and available research, thus painting a full picture for readers who wish to better understand this field. The book lays the groundwork for making design decisions by sharing available standards, project case studies, environment and behavior literature, and applicable theories. Finally, it provides design and planning guidelines as well as trends that can impact future planning and design of environments that support rehabilitation programs. The book also highlights existing knowledge gaps in the design and planning of rehabilitation environments and provides a framework for environment and behavior researchers who wish to expand the field by addressing the needs of patients, staff, and families.

"Rehabilitation professionals improve quality of life by enhancing movement and daily activities, reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing disability. Good healthcare facility design can significantly contribute to a therapist’s capacity to achieve these goals while also avoiding caregiver injury. Clinical settings must support therapists as they push their patients' physical limits, while ensuring safety for both the patient and the therapist.

Mobility is medicine. A well-designed environment will enable caregivers to treat patients, thus limiting the negative effects of immobility such as falls, pressure injuries, muscle and bone weakness, blood clots, incontinence, constipation, depression, fainting, and loss of independence.

The content of Design for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is essential to designers and facility design teams who are planning new rehabilitation spaces that strive to enable therapists and patients to achieve their healthiest lives."

Nancy McGann PT, CSPHP, CPPS, Enterprise Manager of Safe Mobility, Intermountain Health

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Supporting Fields  2. Global and Historical Context  3. PM&R and Inpatient Setting  4. PM&R and Outpatient Settings  5. PM&R and Educational Settings  6. PM&R and Wellness Setting  7. Research on the Design of Rehabilitation Environments  8. Research Case Studies  9. Codes, Standards and Guidelines Applicable to PM&R Environments  10. Design Guidelines  11. Factors Impacting the Future of PM&R Environments