EFFECTIVENESS OF INPATIENT REHABILITATION ON SELF-CARE ABILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

Objectives: This study examined: the self-care outcomes of a 1-week re habilitation program for individuals with multiple sclerosis; the freq uency of use and effectiveness of adapted equipment prescribed; and th e satisfaction with occupational therapy services. Study Design: Self- care abilities of 30 adults with multiple sclerosis were evaluated on admission, at discharge, and 6-weeks post-discharge. Changes in self-c are scores were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs of repeated measures. Re sults: Tub/shower transfers, toileting, feeding, grooming, upper body dressing, and lower body dressing scores improved significantly betwee n admission and discharge. In addition, they continued to improve sign ificantly between discharge and 6-weeks post-discharge except for feed ing. Of the adapted equipment prescribed by the occupational therapist s 85% was used and 94% of the equipment used was described as effectiv e. Finally, 100% of the participants were satisfied with occupational therapy services provided. Conclusion: A 1-week inpatient rehabilitati on program significantly improved the self-care abilities of participa nts with multiple sclerosis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. Al l rights reserved.