FAQ's - EDUCATION & RESEARCH
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1. How can a research literature review benefit the development of a
personal injury case?
A thorough review of applicable research literature and clinical practice
guidelines will provide the legal team with vital information of importance
to the case such as probable medical treatment and rehabilitation outcomes
and potential complications which may affect the individual as they age with
a specific disability or medical condition. The research team at Paul M. Deutsch & Associates
is experienced in identifying and synthesizing research data which is relevant,
case-specific, and useful in establishing the current and future requirements
of individuals with long-term medical and rehabilitation needs.
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2. Why is specialized knowledge necessary when performing
a research literature review?
There is a wealth of health-related information available to the general public
and much of it provides helpful, educational advice for consumers. However,
rehabilitation professionals rely upon multiple sources of evidence-based research
to document future needs, probable outcomes, and other case-specific questions.
Evaluating the validity of various data sources, analyzing the relevance to
a specific case, and meaningfully synthesizing research conclusions requires
advanced training and experience. The professionals at Paul M. Deutsch & Associates
maintain currency with published research data and actively engage in continuing
educational activities in order to remain proficient in analyzing research
literature.
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3. Why is consultation with members of the treatment
team important in developing a personal injury case?
Consultation with physicians, therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and
other members of the treatment team is essential to establishing the medical
and rehabilitation foundation for a case. Such professionals are intimately
familiar with the current needs of an individual and, based upon their clinical
expertise and training, can project the future needs to be considered. Recommendations
in areas such as home and worksite accommodations, mobility and personal care
aids, and follow-up medical care and therapy reflect the unique history of
interaction between these professionals and the injured individual.
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4. What is involved in a rehabilitation evaluation in
a non-catastrophic injury case?
The analytical methodology applied to non-catastrophic injury cases is identical
to that applied in catastrophic injury cases and involves the following components:
- Comprehensive clinical evaluation
- Review of medical records
- Collaboration with members of the treatment team
- Review of relevant research literature and clinical practice guidelines
- Rehabilitation plan detailing necessary items and services with geographically
specific costs
Depending upon the issues involved in a case, a vocational analysis may also
be completed.
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5. Can a rehabilitation evaluation be conducted for mediation
purposes, only?
Yes. These evaluations may involve only a review of the medical records and
a rehabilitation plan detailing necessary items and services with associated
costs available through our database. When rehabilitation evaluations are requested
for mediation purposes, recommendations are based upon a review of the medical
records, only, rather than a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Further, members
of the treatment team are not contacted and no additional cost research specific
to the individual’s market is conducted.
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6. If an entire life care plan is not necessary in a particular case, can Paul M. Deutsch & Associates
provide specific services?
Yes. Depending upon the needs of the referral source and the issues involved
in a particular case, we can provide any of the following services:
- Life care plan review
- Research literature review
- Consultation with members of the treatment team
- Rehabilitation evaluation in non-catastrophic cases
- Inservice training, educational workshops and/or curriculum development
Please contact our office to discuss these options and for specific cost information.
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