ADULTS WITH SPINA-BIFIDA AND OR HYDROCEPHALUS

Recent advances in medical technology enable many children with comple x disabilities to survive into adulthood and to have certain expectati ons of life. One of these expectations is the continuity of specialist health care in an adult setting. This paper describes a new out-patie nt service which aims to provide optimum care, continuity and consiste ncy of service for adults with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. The need for specialist health input into this service, in order to monito r the neurological, urological and psychosocial complications often as sociated with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus is recognised. In one year (1992), 86 young adults with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus at tended for annual or more frequent assessment, either independently or with their families or carers. A variety of health and social problem s were treated. In response to demand, a multidisciplinary assessment unit, which includes the services of both medical and nursing speciali sts, occupational and physiotherapists, psychologists and access to sp ecialist surgical opinions has recently opened at the Chelsea and West minster Hospital. This new service attempts to meet some of the needs described in the outpatient audit. Adults with other disabilities are requesting to use this service. A longitudinal study to monitor qualit y, and outcome is indicated from this initial survey.