[Variation in the pathology attended in out-patient Neurology Clinics: a demented future]

We analyze the changes observed between 1996 and 2001 in the distribution of the pathology attended and the follow up model used by the out-patient Neurology Clinic in the Marina Alta area, in order to confirm possible variations that may have repercussions for Human Resource needs in the provision of adequate neurological care.

We prospectively registered the attendance records for visits made to the Out-patient Neurology Clinic of Marina Alta in 1996. The variation coefficients between both series were calculated and compared.

The average age of patients increased in 5 years. The number of patients attended increased 42.3%, new patients 40%, visits 13%, the "Review visit/First Visit" ratio reduced 29%. The attendance of patients with Cognitive Impairment (Cog. Imp.) doubled. There were no changes in the origins of the patients. Requests due to Cog. Imp. and parkinsonism increased significantly from Primary Care and Emergency Department. The delay to be attended increased 23%. Discharges increased 43.9%, highlighting an increase of 144% observed in the Cog. Imp. group.

Changes have been observed in: the age of the population studied; the follow up of patients; the delay in attending them; and the pathology attended, with a significant increase in demand due to neurodegenerative pathology (especially Cog. Imp.). All this requires an increase in care needs that the Health Service has not been able to assume, creating an incongruous care model: we suggest a direct follow up model and offer a consultancy model.