Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation in the Portuguese Context

This chapter provides an overview of the Portuguese neuropsychology and rehabilitation context and of the cultural background aiming to improve the understanding of its potential impact on health-related services. It is written based on the authors' knowledge and experience in the rehabilitation field and supported in updated scientific evidence. The chapter is organized into three major sections: (a) the first section describes several aspects of the Portuguese society and culture, such as geographic, historical, governmental, immigrational, socio-economic aspects, the health system of the country, and the language, communication styles, values/customs, spirituality, religion, and gender characteristics of the population; (b) the second section presents the clinical case of a Portuguese male of 26 years of age, who had a brain tumor: details about the client's concerns, daily functioning, and history are explored, as well as aspects related to the neuropsychological assessment, the rehabilitation program, and its outcomes; (c) the third section comprises a summary review of the cultural and health aspects that should be considered when providing neuropsychology services in Portugal, or to Portuguese persons, and presents a reflection about the lessons learned throughout the clinical case. The patient's perspective about his rehabilitation process is included, given the holistic model followed.