Staffing provision for early head injury rehabilitation

Abstract

A questionnaire was sent to seven rehabilitation units in the UK which were recognized for expertise in the early rehabilitation of head injury patients. Information was obtained about the type of patients treated in the units, the number of beds available and staffing levels. In addition, the consultants' opinions were sought on optimal staffing levels for a hypothetical 20-bed unit for the early management of severe head injury. There was a wide variation in the staffing levels in the different neurorehabilitation units. The average therapy time available varied from six to 24.6 hours per week. The views of the four consultants who gave opinions about optimal staffing levels were similar and paralleled the levels recommended by other professional bodies.