Management in Rehabilitation: A Case Study Approach.

Although case studies are used extensively in management, law, and education, their use in physical therapy generally has been limited to clinical cases or to management texts for physical therapists and occupational therapists. Schuch and Sekerak break from this tradition not only by providing an entire text devoted to management case studies, but by building the case studies around a "systematic approach to problem resolution."

Their objective ln this endeavor is to provide readers with an opportunity to focus on issues associated with "people problems" in health care and to provide an opportunity to practice problem-solving skills in this environmental context. From the beginning, they emphasize the fact that this text is not a traditional management text. Instead, they intend to be used as a supplement to traditional teaching materials to stimulate student discussion about not only the problems posed, but the process used in problem-solving.

The text begins by presenting a 10-step, linear problem-solving process that serves as a framework for analyzing cases. The authors describe the nature of problems typically encountered, the problem-solving process itself, and issues important in its use in the clinical setting. Although some may disagree with their hierarchical ordering of problem solving and decision making and the linear model proposed, these issues are less important in terms of the cases presented and the analyses proposed.

Part I of the text provides a selection of case scenarios involving "people problems." Two cases are presented by identifying the case information through all of the steps of the problem-solving process. The remaining cases are grouped to highlight various single steps in the process. Questions and challenges are posed at the end of each case to stimulate thought and discussion. Part II, called "Analysis and Concluding Thoughts," can be considered an instructor's guide to using the cases previously presented. This section offers additional thoughts and ideas about handling the cases.

The cases themselves, although short when compared to cases from other disciplines, are full of useful information. Additionally, the content is expressed in a way that is both appropriate for clinical management and understandable for students. Each case is followed by one or more questions to guide the student in using a particular stage in the problem-solving process. Although not intended by the authors, the cases can also be used to stimulate discussion outside of the problem-solving context.

Overall, this text can be a very useful adjunct to any clinical management course where the focus is on teaching students to look at personnel management issues in a realistic context.

The case study approach in this content area generally is received quite favorably by students, especially when the cases deal with contemporary issues, such as those presented in this text. For the instructor, this compilation of cases would be very useful in augmenting other teaching materials, especially because developing good, clear case studies is such a difficult task.

Rosalie B Lopopolo, PT Beaver College Glenside, Pa

Ms Lopopolo is Assistant Professor in the physical therapy department. She instructs students in the areas of clinical management and health care systems.