Outpatients in neurological rehabilitation

This paper discusses the experience of working within a multidisciplinary neurological clinic in a regional rehabilitation centre. The number and types of interventions are analysed which confirm the importance of having a wide range of rehabilitation professionals available in or attached to such clinics. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to the range of professionals required and the study has produced evidence that would support the establishment of certain specific disability clinics, particularly spasticity, orthotic and memory clinics. The need for specific disease-orientated clinics, particularly for multiple sclerosis and head injuries, is also discussed. A questionnaire was sent to all new attenders at the Newcastle clinic seeking patient's views on the clinic format. There was general support for a multidisciplinary approach to outpatients and the majority of people felt that their needs had been properly addressed. However, a significant minority felt intimidated by a large number of professionals seen simultaneously and felt that their full range of problems had not been discussed. The patient's preference was for a drop-in clinic when they could attend without appointment to discuss a particular problems with the relevant professional. The least popular format was to be seen simultaneously by a range of different rehabilitation professionals.