Disabled patients in acute hospital wards

Abstract

Seventy-five patients who had a clinically diagnosed disabling disease and who usually had difficulty with one or more activities of selfcare were identified in a 10-month survey of the acute wards of a large teaching hospital. Their dependence on assistance for specific activities at home and in the acute wards was recorded by a research nurse in interviews carried out in the patient's home within two weeks of hospital discharge. The study showed that although most of the disabled patients were able to continue with their daily selfcare activities, their increased dependence on assistance in hospital in comparison with their home was often due to limitations in the provision and use of ward facilities. The effects of these limitations on the selfcare of disabled patients are illustrated. It is concluded that disabled patients would enjoy greater independence in selfcare activities in acute wards and could be less dependent on nursing staff if there was improvement in ward design and the provision of aids and equipment whilst the abilities of disabled patients for selfcare were recognised by ward staff.