Abstract
Rethinking Rehabilitation: Theory and Practice focuses on the place of theory in advancing rehabilitation practice, policy, and research and aims to help us who practise or study rehabilitation to reflect on our work. The 14 chapters each cause us as readers to pause and reflect on what we are doing (i.e., learning, practice, policy, research), how we are doing it, why we are doing it, and how it could possibly be done better or differently. These critical questions are posed while maintaining the importance of implementing client-centred and theoretically informed practice, resonating with core beliefs in our field of occupational therapy.
While the overall aim and content of the book may appear quite broad, the material and depth of information are appropriate and accessible to a range of readers from student to expert. This depth of understanding is achieved through the provision of explicit and concrete ideas of how theory can be implemented into practice and research. The chapters are written by an international and multidisciplinary group of authors; however, the content resonates with occupational therapy practice in Canada as the aspects of rehabilitation discussed, such as child development, assessment, and teamwork, are key considerations in the Canadian context. The book would therefore be useful and relevant for all occupational therapists who seek to learn about or carry out more reflective and critical practice and research.
As the authors challenge us to reflect on our assumptions and current practices, discussions and debates with ourselves, clients, peers, and colleagues may lead to a rethinking of what we do in our profession and bring up ideas of how we can evolve. As encouraged by the authors, we should not be afraid of these new ideas and of challenging current theories and practices in our profession, as it will surely strengthen our work and the contribution of occupational therapy to the world. This book is a key resource for helping us understand where to start.