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.
Atkinson Morley Hospital, Wimbledon, London.
E D
ED
Playford
P
P
Crawford
P S
PS
Monro
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