title: Environmental control systems in a spinal injuries unit: a review of 10 years' experience.
abstract: In 1979 a 30-bed spinal injuries unit was opened at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, New Zealand. The design of the building included built-in environmental control facilities for tetraplegic patients. This paper outlines 10 years of experience with environmental controls in a hospital setting, and discusses some of the problems encountered. Special mention is made of ease of setting up equipment, patient interface switches, patient acceptance, and a major upgrade and modification of the original control system. Although not utilized as much as originally anticipated, a definite need for environmental controls with the spinal injuries unit has become firmly established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000592:standards*