SummaryUntil recently, the sequelae of aging with a spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been examined comprehensively by the scientific community. Due to medical advances result ing in extended life expectancies for those with SCI, several investigations have been undertaken. Reviewed in the article are the results of available studies designed to evalu ate the quality of life of aging SCI persons and the importance of quality of life to the evaluation of rehabilitation and the importance of quality of life to the evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes. Data indicate that the quality of life enjoyed by those with SCI, young and old, is relatively good and, in the case of older SCI veterans, is actually better than similarly aged able-bodied males.
A critique of the literature addressing functions of rehabilitation psychologists m medical settings was accomplished in order to determine the range of roles typically assumed by them. Although this search yielded relatively few citations that clearly outlined duties and functions commonly undertaken by them, it did provide evidence that many use a behavioral framework and that their incorporation of new technologies, such as biofecdback, has helped to mainstream them into medical practice. In addition, the current emphasis placed on cost containment suggests that many of the treatment modalities practiced by rehabilitation psychologists will be increasingly used in medical settings.We reviewed the literature on the topic of the roles and functions of rehabilitation psychologists in medical settings in order to critique this literature, to identify gaps in the literature, to suggest directions for future research, and to identify directions for future education and training efforts. Our single most significant finding was the dearth of published reports that articulate the various roles and functions of rehabilitation psychologists working in medical settings.
Currently, the majority of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treatment resources are being expended to address and resolve problems occurring during the acute and immediate post-acute phases following injury. Major national funding sources for SCI research have followed this pattern with few, if any, proposals submitted for the support of research into the effects of aging on the SCI individual requiring long term institutional care. Yet, data recently available from the National Spinal Cord Injury Research Center and the Veterans Administration show that there is an increase in the numbers of older SCI persons requiring medical care. In anticipation of increasing utilisation of health care resources by older SCI persons, the Veterans Administration has begun to make appropriate plans. But a broadened information base is needed to support these plans. Statistical data concerning the characteristics of the total SCI population, empirical information of older SCI persons' extended care needs, and information regarding proper treatment for older SCI persons is necessary.
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