Foreword by Keith Cicerone

Summary

Neuropsychological rehabilitation has shown tremendous growth in the last few decades, largely based on clinical acumen and experience. More recently, there has been much ado about the need for evidence-based rehabilitation based on the best available scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of interventions. The emphasis on evidence-based rehabilitation is often interpreted as standing in opposition to clinical judgment, when in fact these are complementary aspects of care, with sound clinical judgment required to apply the appropriate principles and techniques of treatment to the individual with a neurological disability. In addition, evidence-based treatment must incorporate the client's values, preferences and goals in the decision-making process in order to make the treatment accommodations that may ultimately determine the effectiveness of treatment.

The current volume by Barbara Wilson, Fergus Gracey, Jonathan Evans, Andrew Bateman and their colleagues is unique in the integration of scientific evidence, clinical judgment and patient-centred goals as the basis for neuropsychological rehabilitation. In discussing the evidence for the effectiveness of neuropsychological rehabilitation, the authors – who are all experienced clinicians as well as prolific researchers – emphasize that rehabilitation is an interactive process that requires the involvement of therapists, the person with a disability, and family, even extending to the person's community as a basis of support and reinforcement. The principles and examples that are elaborated in this volume provide a framework for approaching the individual client through an appreciation of their unique combination of limitations and strengths, motivation, personality and resources.