Evidence-Based Practice for Rehabilitation Providers

Evidence-Based Practice for Rehabilitation Providers offers students and health care providers a clear and actionable method for applying evidence-based practice in clinical settings. This book teaches the foundations of evidence-based practice, with a primary focus on helping rehabilitation providers to locate and appraise scientific evidence and then integrate the best evidence with their clinical expertise to put it into practice.Rehabilitation providers can use this resource to evaluate research studies and determine their relevance to clinical queries as well as their usefulness to patients. Methods for incorporating evidence into clinical practice and assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of new treatments are discussed. The text explores the most common challenges graduates and practicing clinicians encounter and strategies to overcome them. In response to the growing influence of dgtl information sources, the text equips health care providers with the skills needed to critically assess information obtained from various dgtl media. Readers will learn how to determine the credibility, relevance, and quality of information they encounter through sources such as webinars, podcasts, and blogs.Case scenarios for a variety of medical conditions are presented at the end of each chapter—featuring patients with various health backgrounds, values, and preferences—to showcase a wide range of situations. These guided examples provide clear step-by-step instruction in creating strategies for searching for evidence, appraising various types of research studies, determining research validity, and performing a statistical analysis, allowing readers to build confidence with learned concepts through realistic practice. Throughout the book, engaging sidebars highlight key concepts, clinical applications, and practical implications of evidence-based practice, helping readers connect theory to real-world application.Evidence-Based Practice for Rehabilitation Providers provides the foundational knowledge clinicians need. Step-by-step instruction, case studies, strategies for navigating dgtl information sources, and resources to overcome common challenges aid readers in using evidence-based practice to enhance their clinical decision-making and patient care.Note: A URL to access the online materials is included in this book.

About the Author

David R. Dolbow, PT, DPT, PhD, RKT, is a professor in the physical therapy program and research professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at William Carey University. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Dolbow has been a kinesiotherapist, physical therapist, exercise physiologist, and physical therapist research specialist during his more than 40 years as a rehabilitation practitioner. He also has more than 14 years of experience as a university educator and researcher. Since 2018, he has consistently taught introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses on evidence-based rehabilitation in the physical therapy doctoral program; these courses make up his core teaching focus. In addition, he has written over 80 peer-reviewed articles published in scientific journals as well as three book chapters. He holds the American Kinesiotherapy Association certification as a research specialist and a certification in neurologic clinical practice from Evidence in Motion and NeuroRecovery Training Institute, and he continues to practice physical therapy at a local rehabilitation center. Dr. Dolbow’s research interests include improving the quality of life of those with spinal cord injuries and other paralytic conditions by improving functional mobility and decreasing secondary morbidities such as obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Primary investigative modes of treatment include various activities induced by electrical stimulation (including neuromuscular stimulation resistance training, functional electrical stimulation cycling, hybrid FES cycling, and hybrid seated elliptical training for the arms and legs) and non-electrical stimulation training (including arm ergometry, resistance training, and manual manipulation therapies such as counterstrain). Hope Jervis-Rademeyer, MPT, PhD, is an assistant professor at the School of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Saskatchewan as well as a physical therapist. Her research program aims to accelerate the implementation of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies and strengthen health care systems for people living with spinal cord injury. Dr. Jervis-Rademeyer has authored more than 10 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Jervis-Rademeyer created, produced, and cohosted Spinal Moves, a neurorehabilitation podcast. She has also produced other evidence-based videos and podcast series designed to improve people’s understanding about various topics.