NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 7, issue 2

Authors: Zasler, Carol Petty

Article Type: Introduction

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7201

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 77-77, 1996

Authors: Zasler, Carol Petty

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The life care plan serves to document economic damages in disabling conditions, and is utilized by various professionals in several ways. It is important for the life care planner to maintain objectivity when developing the life care plan, and to remain an advocate for the individual with the disability. The clinicians involved in the care of the individual are integral to the development of the life care plan in terms of providing long-term care predictions, treatment guidelines, and equipment and supply recommendations. This article illustrates the interdisciplinary process of life care plan development, and provides ethical considerations for the life …care planner. Additionally, certification issues are explored. A sample life care plan is provided to facilitate reader comprehension. Show more

Keywords: Life care planning, Economic damages, Case management, Certification

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7202

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 79-93, 1996

Authors: Voogt, Robert D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a devastating effect on all aspects of a person's life, which negatively impacts the individual's quality of life. Indeed, the individual is not the same person following TBI. However, through systematic life care planning and appropriate long-term care, this negative impact can be mitigated.

Keywords: Life care planning, Long-term care, Psycho-social issues, Executive functions

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7203

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 95-117, 1996

Authors: Weed, Roger O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Clients who have experienced a brain injury often are damaged by a third party who is perceived responsible for the consequences of their actions. In the United States, a common method of seeking financial compensation for the injury is to file a personal injury law suit. This article will outline the RAPEL method for identifying instrumental details for settling the personal injury claim or educating a jury if a trial is necessary. Topics include identification of future medical care and related needs as well as assessing the effects of the injury on the ability to work.

Keywords: Litigation, Life care plans, Forensic rehabilitation, Earnings capacity

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7204

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 119-135, 1996

Authors: Iyer, Patricia W. | Bogart, Julie B. | Beerman, Jenny

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The legal nurse consultant is an important participant in the resolution of personal injury cases. Nurses are serving as liability experts, life care planners, consultants and pain and suffering experts. The pain and suffering expert summarizes and interprets the medical record in the form of a written report. The expert may testify at the time of trial so that the judge and jury will understand what happened to the patient during the course of the medical care. The article incorporates examples of four personal injury cases involving neurologically impaired patients.

Keywords: Pain and suffering, Medical malpractice, Personal injury, Legal nurse consultant

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7205

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 137-149, 1996

Authors: Whitmore, Michele

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Information necessary to evaluate, properly design and adequately fund for the care of catastrophic needs in a personal injury lawsuit is available in life care plans and wage loss analyses. This article critiques the extent to which current methodology underutilizes the data which may lead to inaccurate assumptions, poorly designed structured settlements and potentially hazardous decisions in providing for the damaged plaintiff. It is hoped that a discussion among the disciplines can lead to a clearer understanding of the processes, encourage more comprehensive analyses and planning and promote the best use of settlement or verdict funds in critical care cases.

Keywords: Structured settlements, Personal injury, Life care planning

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7206

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 151-156, 1996

Authors: Evans, Randall W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This article reviews the current status of life care planning efforts and provides an illustration, in the clinical arena of acquired neurological injury. An argument could easily be made that life care planning as an applied discipline, is quite new and is only now beginning to access national data bases for plan development purposes. In many respects, life care planning is approaching a transitional period of art and science. Given the individualistic nature of the life care planning process, the process itself will unlikely embrace decisions solely based upon population statistics, mathematical models, and the like. Nonetheless, objectivity and reliability …must characterize the process. This article attempts to set the stage for the transition of utilizing outcome studies and databases in the life care planning process. Show more

Keywords: Life care planning, Neurorehabilitation, Outcome studies, Long term care

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1996-7207

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 157-162, 1996