Disease, disability & rehabilitation: considerations for patient care.

The traditional medical model is disease oriented. In contrast, the rehabilitation model is functionally oriented. Optimal function depends on the interaction of normal anatomy and physiology of the organism, psychological stability of the individual and the environment in which he must live. Rehabilitation requires the assessment and management of loss of function, i.e. disabilities resulting from multifactorial etiologies. Ability rather than disability is stressed, with the aim of maximizing the individual's capacity to manage his basic self care needs and to interact with society in a productive manner. Rehabilitation is the province of the physiatrist, but it must be the concern of all practitioners.