JRRD Volume 50, Issue 8, produced by the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is now available online at http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/2013/508/contents508.html.
This multi-topic issue includes research topics with relevance for Veterans and non-Veterans alike. Reaching Veterans and finding unique ways to overcome barriers to care has become a greater priority for the VA. Two guest editorials in this issue look at ways this is happening, including setting up services on college campuses and using horses in rehabilitation to improve the quality of life for our Veterans.
Other topics include— • The need to study healthcare utilization, highlighted by the fact that Veterans who screened positive on a traumatic brain injury clinical reminder had more than 85 percent higher total healthcare costs than Veterans who screened negative one year following their initial evaluation.
• Evaluation of the techniques developed to assess the performance of prosthetic vacuum pumps for people with amputations;
• A new impression technique that improves the quality and orientation of fabricated ear prostheses;
• A study of older adults who received home-care physical therapy services and found a strong relationship between how they think and how they walk..
• These and other topics of interest to Veterans, their caregivers and researchers who continue to seek treatments for these issues are also available.
• Your continued support and feedback are always appreciated.Best Regards, The JRRD Editorial Team