Concepts of Rehabilitation for the Management of Common Health Problems

Although there is broad agreement on the importance of rehabilitation and the need to improve occupational health and vocational rehabilitation in the UK, there is considerable uncertainty about what 'rehabilitation' is, and about its cost-effectiveness, particularly for the common health problems that cause most long-term disability and incapacity. This paper seeks to develop a theoretical and conceptual basis for the rehabilitation of common health problems. Chapters include: traditional rehabilitation and the need for a different approach; illness, disability and incapacity for work; the biopsychosocial model and framework of disability; obstacles to recovery and return to work; clinical and occupational management of common health problems; personal responsibility and motivation; and rehabilitation in a social security context.