Needs of Persons with Neurological Disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND In India, many persons with neurological disorder (PwND) get discharged from several hospitals with significant unmet needs. AIM To assess the needs of persons with neurological disorders in a tertiary care hospital, Bangalore, India. METHOD AND MATERIALS It was a cross-sectional descriptive study where thirty PwND availing the in-patient services at NIMHANS, Bangalore were selected through purposive sampling. Camberwell Assessment of Need - Research version was used. RESULTS Large majority (90%) of the respondents have unmet needs in daytime activities, psychological distress, information about illness and sex. Majority (70%) have unmet needs in job, self-care, medicines, mobility, child care. Half (50%) of the respondents have unmet need in accommodation, intimate and social relationships, finance. Three-fourth revealed that their need for food, safety and social welfare needs have been met. CONCLUSION Patients from lower economic, educational status and urban domicile have more service needs. Present study attempts a systematic need assessment which has implication in addressing the unmet needs of PwND to improve their quality of life.