Article

The aim of this study was to document physicians' opinions on
inpatient rehabilitation care for working-age patients in vegetative state after
new acquired brain injury, given the absence of an established standard of
post-acute care. DESIGN : A postal survey of 3259 Swedish physicians was
conducted. RESULTS: : Survey response rate was 33%. Of survey respondents, 51%
reported that they knew the definition of vegetative state. Transfer of
vegetative patients from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation was considered
always warranted by 54% and never or only sometimes warranted by 31% of survey
respondents, whereas 15% did not know or did not answer. Rehabilitation
physicians most often considered an inpatient rehabilitation stay of around 3 mos
to be appropriate, but there was a lack of consensus. Discharge from acute care
direct to social care at least sometimes was reported by 39% of physicians.
CONCLUSIONS: : Physicians' opinions vary considerably on appropriate post-acute
care for patients in vegetative state after acquired brain injury. This may
impact on rates of referral and admission to rehabilitation units. Consensus is
needed on a minimum period for and extent of rehabilitation interventions.
Educational interventions should be targeted broadly to reach the wide range of
specialties that may have responsibility for acute care of these patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS