Phenomenology: a powerful tool for patient-centered rehabilitation

Abstract

In this essay, we describe phenomenology as a philosophy and methodology that is uniquely suited to aid healthcare professionals to explore and understand the meaning of disability from the perspectives of the patient/client. Emerging in the beginning of the twentieth century as a philosophy for understanding the nature of the world around us, phenomenology has gained traction over the last several years in healthcare as a methodology in rehabilitation research and as a tool in patient-centered care. We explore the basic concepts of phenomenology and provide conceptual links to the exigencies of patient-centered care. Along the way, we discuss recent literature that provides evidence of the use of phenomenology to uncover the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. We conclude with concrete examples and suggestions to clinicians for strategies to use phenomenology as a tool in patient-centered care.