Multiprofessional follow up of patients after subarachnoid haemorrhage

• Published in: British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) Vol. 13; no. 21; p. 1262
• Main Authors: Jarvis, Anne, Talbot, Louise
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-11-2004
• Subjects: Adult; Aftercare - organization & administration; Attitude to Health; Female; Home Care Services, Hospital-Based - organization & administration; Humans; Male; Mass Screening - organization & administration; Middle Aged; Models, Organizational; Needs Assessment; Neuropsychology; Organizational Objectives; Patient Care Team - organization & administration; Patient Discharge - standards; Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration; Program Evaluation; Recovery of Function; Referral and Consultation - organization & administration; Severity of Illness Index; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - complications; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - psychology; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - rehabilitation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survivors; Total Quality Management
• ISSN: 0966-0461
• DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2004.13.21.17117

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening illness that affects people suddenly and without warning. Previous research has estimated that only 7% of SAH survivors suffer physical deficits (Stegan and Freckmann, 1991), whereas two-thirds of those classed as having made a good recovery actually experience a range of debilitating cognitive or emotional difficulties (Bindschaedler et al, 1997); Buchanan et al, 2000). At Hope Hospitals, a structures system was set up to help support the survivors of SAH through follow-up via the neurovascular team providing patients with information, guidance and early intervention including screening for potential cognitive and emotional difficulties and fast-track referral to neuropsychology services. Behavioural indices demonstrated that patients experienced a range of difficulties in everyday functioning such as problems that prevent a return to work and excessive fatigue, among others. Although this innovative system does address follow-up need, improvements could be made to ensure that all patients receive an equitable service.