[The need for specialist assistance in neurology]

The need for specialist attention in neurology in a particular population is not constant but may vary over a period of time, depending on a series of changeable conditions. For this reason it is useful to make periodical reappraisals, so as to adapt the services available to the true needs of the population at any particular time.

In this paper we consider the steps to be followed when carrying out a study of the need for attention, and analyze the variables which influence the calculation of the number of neurologists necessary in a particular population, and the methods of obtaining information and identifying requirements. Besides this, we summarize the data of five Spanish studies which sought to define the needs for neurological attention from both the point of view of Primary Care doctors (three studies in the Health Areas of Alcoi, Alicante and San Juan, in the Communidad Valenciana) and that of the specialist (two studies: one in the setting of the Sociedad Valenciana de Neurología and one in that of the Sociedad Española de Neurología).

In our model of specialized neurological attention there is a great need and demand for specialized neurological attention, with a tendency towards direct neurological attention for each patient.