ABSTRACT
In the context of a broader survey of adjustment after head injury, both victims and their families rated satisfaction with professional health care services. Included were ratings of quality care, and of perceived helpfulness (to the victim and to the family) of select professional groups. Quality of service inquiries concentrated on patient/familial education about the consequences of head injury, aftercare, referral sources and prognosis. Many respondents indicated inadequate information was provided in these areas. Areas of greatest informational deficit included post-hospitalisation resources and expectations for outcome. Highest ratings of helpfulness were attributed, by both victims and their families, to professional groups that provided tangible, 'hands-on' services, e.g. nursing. Significantly lower ratings were observed for social service professions, e.g. psychology. Limited contact with psychologists/neuropsychologists was targeted as an area of concern. Ratings of all professional groups were discussed with reference to staff/family dynamics. The importance of a multifaceted patient/family education programme was stressed.
Subject(s)
Brain Damage, Chronic/rehabilitation , Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Consumer Behavior , Professional-Family Relations , Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Brain Damage, Chronic/psychology , Brain Injuries/psychology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Home Nursing/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neurocognitive Disorders/psychology , Neurocognitive Disorders/rehabilitation , Patient Care Team , Patient Discharge , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Prognosis , Quality Assurance, Health CareABSTRACT
This study explored return to work (RTW) after head injury from survey data on 177 cases of head injury. Although 45% of the sample study did engage in some work-related activity only 19% were in competitive employment positions. Factors which were related to RTW after head injury were: age when injured, sex, length of loss of consciousness and Likert ratings of learning, motor and ambulation impairment. Many of those who did return to competitive employment did so in less demanding positions than held pre-injury. Limitations of the current study and suggestions for future research are ventured.
Subject(s)
Brain Damage, Chronic/rehabilitation , Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Rehabilitation, Vocational , Adult , Brain Concussion/rehabilitation , Brain Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Cerebrovascular Disorders/rehabilitation , Coma/rehabilitation , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Sheltered Workshops , Vocational EducationABSTRACT
One hundred parents and 50 spouses of head-injured persons responded to a survey on adjustment issues after head injury. The information they provided on financial matters is presented. Medical costs, legal fees, and other expenses are reported, both in total costs since the insult and in current yearly costs. Percentages of parents and spouses having to find employment, borrow money, lose possessions, and declare bankruptcy are also presented. Financial benefits such as Worker's Compensation and legal settlements are considered. Finally, mean reduction of income for the head-injured person and for the family is examined. The financial impact of head injury is varied in both source and in amount, though for many the cost is overwhelming.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/economics , Fees, Medical , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Child , Child, Preschool , Costs and Cost Analysis , Female , Humans , Income , Male , Middle AgedSubject(s)
Anxiety/psychology , Attitude to Death , Cross-Cultural Comparison , Psychological Tests , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , ResearchSubject(s)
Anxiety/psychology , Attitude to Death , Psychological Tests , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , PsychometricsSubject(s)
Financing, Personal , Patients , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders , Middle Aged , Role PlayingSubject(s)
Attitude to Death , Fear , Religion and Psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Anxiety/psychology , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Results suggest that the NOSIE-30 may have predictive utility. Twelve Token Economy patients rated by nine staff members were followed for 1 year. Patients discharged within a year after the NOSIE-30 was administered had higher scores on Social Competence, Personal Neatness, Total Positive Factors, Total Patient Assets and a lower score on Total Negative Factors than patients who remained hospitalized. Generally, there were higher interrater reliabilities on subscales for which behaviors could be observed easily, such as social competence, neatness, and irratability, and less agreement on subscales such as manifest psychosis and social interest. Sex differences found in the raters' perception of a patient behavior indicated that male raters tend to be more tolerant of a patient's negative behaviors. The NOSIE-30 can be a useful tool in staff training and in patient evaluation with a multidisciplinary approach.
