Abstract
The study reported here was part of a larger survey investigating the nature and extent of disability in the Grampian region. Interviews with 212 people aged between 16 and 65 years who had a wide range of physical disabilities elicited perceptions of current and past service provision. Respondents expressed a strong need for information on disability services and reported difficulty in knowing whom to approach for this. General practitioners were the most commonly reported source of such information and low usage of the Department of Social Security, social work departments and voluntary organizations was identified. No significant relationship was found between degree of disability and frequency of consultation with a general practitioner. However, the more severe the disability the more likely it was that the general practitioner initiated contact rather than the patient. Although in general those interviewed were satisfied with medical information given regarding their diagnosis, they were more critical of information provided in relation to coping with the disorder, including that concerning benefits and services. The study confirmed the pivotal role of the general practitioner in the care of physically disabled people in the community aged between 16 and 65 years. The need to re-evaluate the role of the general practitioner in the provision of information and services is discussed.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Buckle J. Benefits. Informing patients about attendance and mobility allowances. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Oct 25;293(6554):1077–1078. doi: 10.1136/bmj.293.6554.1077. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Johnson G. S., Johnson R. H. Social-services support for multiple sclerosis patients in West of Scotland. Lancet. 1977 Jan 1;1(8001):31–34. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(77)91665-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- MAHONEY F. I., BARTHEL D. W. FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION: THE BARTHEL INDEX. Md State Med J. 1965 Feb;14:61–65. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Patrick D. L., Peach H., Gregg I. Disablement and care: a comparison of patient views and general practitioner knowledge. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1982 Jul;32(240):429–434. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]