This text integrates theory with practice, identifies frames of reference, explains the application of models of practice and explores issues in the delivery of health and social care in Britain. New chapters illuminate and inform current practice, while the up-dated chapters explore, justify and define standards of care. The text focuses on people, their problems and the measures relevant to the provision of high quality therapy. As indicated by the main title, Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction, the new edition continues to deal primarily with the physical side of treatment. However, throughout the text, attention has been paid to the psychological and social issues of therapy, reflecting the occupational therapist's belief in holistic care. It should also be noted that much of the information included in the book, especially in Part 1, is relevant to all therapists, in all areas of practice. The book is divided into three parts. The subtitle, Principles, Skills and Practice, alludes to these three main sections: Part 1 discusses the profession's philosophical, historical and psychosocial base; Part 2 gives information on the core skills required by all occupational therapists; Part 3 shows how this knowledge base can be applied within various clinical situations. The clinical conditions in Part 3 are not treated as separate entities but are divided into groups whose principles and approaches are linked. Each of these subsections in Part 3, therefore, is introduced by a chapter which sets the scene for the way in which the conditions may be considered. The clinical chapters in Part 3 are nearly all written by clinically practising senior occupational therapists, while Parts 1 and 2 have been written by those whose experience lies in education and management.