Evidence of unmet need in the care of severely physically disabled adults.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To identify unmet needs in the care of severely disabled people aged 16-64.

DESIGN:

Detailed personal interview and physical assessment of physically disabled adults; personal or telephone interview with carers.

SETTING:

Somerset Health District.

SUBJECTS:

181 severely disabled adults and their carers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Independence in activities of daily living; identity of requirements for assessing communication disorders; appropriate provision of services and allowances.

RESULTS:

53 (29.3%) of the 181 disabled subjects had unmet needs for aids to allow independence in activities of daily living-namely, 43% of subjects (41/95) with progressive disorders and 14% of subjects (12/86) with non-progressive disorders. The prevalence of unmet need was higher among subjects whose sole regular professional contact was with health services personnel (48 (40.3%) of 119 subjects). Only 18 (31.6%) of the 57 subjects with communication disorders had ever been assessed by a speech therapist.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study shows that the needs of severely physically disabled adults in the community--especially those with progressive disorders--are being monitored inadequately by health professionals.

• Authors: M H Williams, C Bowie
• Journal: BMJ (Clinical research ed.) (BMJ) Vol. 306 Issue 6870 Pg. 95-8 (Jan 09 1993) ISSN: 0959-8138 [Print] England
• PMID: 8435649 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Retracted Publication)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Ambulatory Care
• Caregivers
• Community Health Services (standards)
• Day Care, Medical
• Disabled Persons (statistics & numerical data)
• England
• Health Services Needs and Demand (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Respite Care
• Self-Help Devices
• Social Security
• Speech Disorders (therapy)