Evidence of unmet need in the care of severely physically disabled adults.
OBJECTIVE
To identify unmet needs in the care of severely disabled people aged 16-64.


METHODS
Detailed personal interview and physical assessment of physically disabled adults; personal or telephone interview with carers.


METHODS
Somerset Health District.


METHODS
181 severely disabled adults and their carers.


METHODS
Independence in activities of daily living; identity of requirements for assessing communication disorders; appropriate provision of services and allowances.


RESULTS
53 (29.3%) of the 181 disabled subjects had unmet needs for aids to allow independence in activities of daily living-namely, 43% of subjects (41/95) with progressive disorders and 14% of subjects (12/86) with non-progressive disorders. The prevalence of unmet need was higher among subjects whose sole regular professional contact was with health services personnel (48 (40.3%) of 119 subjects). Only 18 (31.6%) of the 57 subjects with communication disorders had ever been assessed by a speech therapist.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the needs of severely physically disabled adults in the community--especially those with progressive disorders--are being monitored inadequately by health professionals.
Williams
M H
MH
Health Care Evaluation Unit, University of Bristol.
Bowie
C
C
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D017028:Caregivers; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D003631:Day Care, Medical; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012144:Respite Care; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012943:Social Security; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000628:therapy