Psychological services in rehabilitation

Abstract

This paper extends the data base of a previous study examining the role of the psychologist in rehabilitation settings. Results are reported of 78 health professionals employed in rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and comparisons are made between this sample and the Victorian sample whose results were previously reported. As in the earlier study, the key task was for respondents to personally rate the perceived appropriateness of psychologists' having primary responsibility for 20 key rehabilitation activities. of secondary importance, respondents were asked to stipulate which professional group(s) should perform these activities in the respondent's workplace. The main findings were: (1) many activities were rated as being appropriate to the psychologist's role; (2) in the U. S. sample, the involvement of the psychologist in rehabilitation settings is regarded more favourably than it is in the Victorian setting; (3) in addition to their role in rehabilitation being positively regarded respondents felt the psychologist should take primary responsibility for 6 out of the 20 rehabiltation activities performed. Issues and further implications for Australian psychologists are discussed. 1985 Australian Psychological Society Show more