Article Text
Abstract
Introduction There is a recognised difference in the centralised children's services compared with the more localised adult services for those with neuromuscular diseases. At the young people's unit at Martin House transition is a difficult time with uncertainties about the availability and working practices of physiotherapy services for adults.
With funding from the DH as part of the £30million the physiotherapy services in Yorkshire and Humber were reviewed.
Method Contacts were made from a number of sources, starting with known children's services and an email questionnaire was sent. There was a small circulation of questions to users of the service.
Results There was excellent completion circulated after contact had been established by the researcher.
▶ The paediatric service in the region is well coordinated with close links with respective neuromuscular teams.
▶ The challenge of identifying the different adult services highlighted the possible difficulties faced by people with a neuromuscular condition.
▶ There is variety in the provision and accessibility of adult services offered around the region.
▶ There is a limited review/monitoring service in place for adults with only 42% of teams offering this.
▶ 54% of adult teams are unable to provide on-going physiotherapy. They are usually goal- orientated and based on self-management which isn't always appropriate in a progressive deteriorating condition.
▶ The lack of access to specialist physiotherapy in adult services is a problem for both community and hospice physiotherapists and patients.
▶ Provision of Hydrotherapy is an on-going issue.
Recommendations
▶ Consideration of a review/monitoring service for adults is needed.
▶ Consideration of a transition service is needed.
▶ There is a need to provide more access to specialist neuromuscular physiotherapists in adult services.
▶ A maintained and accessible database of adult services for these patients should be made available to assist referrers.