Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Carers' experiences of hospital discharge and continuing care in the community
- Authors:
- HEATON Janet, ARKSEY Hilary, SLOPER Patricia
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 7(2), March 1999, pp.91-99.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article presents the findings of a study of carers' perspectives on discharge procedures and continuing care arrangements for adults aged 18-65 with physical and complex disabilities. Interviews were conducted with carers of people discharged from younger disabled units (YDUs) and hospital settings. The emphasis carers place on the need to be informed and involved in the discharge planning process is described, and the adequacy of continuing care arrangements from carers' perspectives is examined. The findings of the study raise issues for policy and practice about carers' needs, vis-a-vis patients, to be included as active participants in the discharge planning process.
Assessing the outcomes of equipment and adaptations: issues and approaches
- Authors:
- HEATON Janet, BAMFORD Claire
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(7), July 2001, pp.346-356.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Current government policy emphasises professional accountability, Best Value, evidence-based practice and outcomes for users and carers. In this context, being able to demonstrate the effectiveness of routine practice is increasingly important. This article considers the key issues in collecting information about the outcomes of equipment and adaptations. Three approaches to evaluating the outcomes of equipment and adaptations are distinguished: functional status measures; health status or quality of life measures; and indirect approaches. Examples of each approach are provided and their strengths and limitations discussed. Calls for further research on the perspectives of carers and the impact of service delivery to ensure that all the outcomes of equipment and adaptations are fully evaluated.