Technology is changing the face of health care—as it is so many other aspects of modern life. While technological innovations offer physical therapy patients an array of potential benefits, their optimal use is dependent on evidence-based research that, in turn, involves a number of variables. Consider the following scenario, in which a key variable is under question.

Flawed Candidacy?

Meredith is a physical therapist (PT) at Twin Forks Rehabilitation Hospital. She recently completed a year working on the orthopedic floor and has begun a rotation on the floor reserved for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Twin Forks' SCI unit ranks among the top such units nationally—renowned for its research and for the methodologies used and results achieved by its multidisciplinary health care teams.

Meredith had eagerly anticipated the rotation, and its early weeks have met all of her expectations. Her colleagues are highly dedicated, her patients are engaged and motivated, and the energy throughout the unit is palpable. Meredith has volunteered to partici-pate in planned research and looks forward to those opportunities, as well.