Factors influencing discharge placement for Locked-In Syndrome survivors

The objective of this study was to examine the factors which influence discharge disposition in patients with severe physical disability, due to the Locked-in Syndrome (LIS). This retrospective case series of patients with LIS, examines the extent of recovery, the processes involved in achieving discharge and the discharge destination following rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), Dublin. Nine LIS patients, 4 male and 5 female, have been referred to the NRH since 1995. Six of the 9 returned to live at home with their families. One patient with LIS, due to metastatic tumour, has since died. The factors which appear to determine the place and timing of discharge in LIS patients are the extent of neurological recovery, input from a specialist rehabilitation team, patient and family wishes, and the financial resources available for home care in the health service area concerned.