Comparison of Re-evaluated Disability Grades with the First Registered Grade in the Seoul-living Disabled for National Registration for Disability

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the disability grades previously evaluated and registered, with the re-evaluated ones for individuals with disability living in Seoul. METHOD: Thee hundred and eleven people with disability living in Seoul were selected by the hierarchical systematic extraction method. Their disability grade was re-evaluated in the otolaryngology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation outpatient clinic or via home visit. And the disability level of each person was evaluated by the Korean Activities of Daily Living (K-ADL). RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty nine people with disability were re-evaluated on their disability grades. One hundred and thirty four (58.5%) cases had the same disability grade as initially evaluated. Thirty three cases were re-adjusted to a higher disability grade and sixty two cases to a lower grade. The K-ADL scores of people with brain lesion and spine/spinal cord injury were higher than those of other type of disability, which indicated a higher level of disability. CONCLUSION: When disability grades were re-evaluated, discrepancy rate was 41.5%. For proper management in the process of disability registration, it is imperative to implement a policy, which ensures the re-evaluation of the disability grade at a regular interval, the clear guidelines for grading as well as the competency of the evaluators.