Organizational Viewpoints on Research in Life Care Planning

The field of rehabilitation has become increasingly reliant on evidence based practices to demonstrate efficacy and cost-effectiveness of service delivery. Life care planning, as a subspecialty of rehabilitation, is no exception. Life care planning as a multi-disciplinary profession is comprised of individuals with varying levels of educational background from differing fields of study. While most professionals coming to the specialty of life care planning have had experience reviewing and critiquing research articles as a component of their academic program (Deutsch & Allison, 2004), a comprehensive analysis of research requirements of various certifying bodies has not been conducted. This article provides research position ethics from certifying bodies and professional organizations commonly affiliated with life care planners, based upon prior role and function studies. This information is provided to clarify research requirements and standards for conducting and participating in research within the life care planning field. Kendall and Deutsch (2002) noted that lack of experience in doing research does not preclude professionals from entering into the realm of scientific research. This article will provide information both about the basic research process and provide suggestions for how life care planners can become involved in research.