A survey of neurological disability at a district general hospital.
Neurological disease accounts for 20% of all admissions to medical wards, but the number of inpatients with neurological disability is unknown. The notes of all adult inpatient in a district general hospital were reviewed to identify all those with a neurological disorder. Over 40% of inpatients on medical wards and 4% on surgical wards had a neurological disorder. Stroke was the most common neurological diagnosis, accounting for 36% of neurological disorders and 22% of all patients on medical wards. Other neurological diagnoses included dementias 10%, degenerative disorders 10%, epilepsy 7%, demyelination 4%, and head injuries 3%. Neurological patients have long inpatient stays (mean 80 days), and often remain in hospital awaiting changes in accommodation. Seven patients under 65 years stayed more than 6 months awaiting long-term care. Neurological disorders contribute significantly to the inpatient workload. Identifying those requiring rehabilitation and concentrating them on one ward could improve the quality and efficiency of their care.
Playford
E D
ED
Atkinson Morley Hospital, Wimbledon, London.
Crawford
P
P
Monro
P S
PS
D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012621:Seasons