Dr. Luchter indicated there must be agreement about definitions and if any questions still persist, terminology must be better defined. At that point in the process the research working group will prioritize goals to formulate a research agenda. Capacity building is the key issue to stimulate action. Dr. Campbell, who was not present at the previous meeting, wondered if the group had discussed whether medical rehabilitation includes health and wellness. According to Luchter, the definition of rehabilitation is to bring someone to the highest level of health.
Wellness is a part of that.
A secondary condition, according to Campbell, could prevent that from happening. Gateway Project Dr. Jaeger explained the logistics of the project as a prototype search tool to explore funded research databases of subcommittee agencies to assist members in preventing research duplication. This endeavor will better coordinate disability and rehabilitation research and make collaborative efforts more effective. The Committee must also identify gaps in research to find a niche area. The web site allows agencies to report on the work that they are doing, allowing the Committee to determine who isn't getting enough funding or action, according to Schwab.