Abstract
The potential impact of professional social work input in patients attending a tertiary neurosurgical chronic spinal clinic was assessed over a period of one year. Two hundred and sixty-four patients were booked into the clinic, and 206 attended (78%). Of these, 93 follow-up patients were selected at random and were interviewed (45%). Forty-two (45%) were male and 51 (55%) female. The median age was 50. Advice was found wanting in 35%. At follow-up (6-18 months later), 76% of those receiving it had acted successfully upon the advice given.
In addition to identifying the extent of need, a simple scheme to allow easy identification of the most needy group was tested. Lack of employment was the most significant predictor of need, though a larger and more detailed study is required to assess other factors.
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