The Effect of Visuospatial Neglect on Functional Outcome and Discharge Destination: An Exploratory Study. (18th February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Timbeck, R.; Spaulding, S. J.; Klinger, L.; Holmes, J. D.; Johnson, A. M.
• Is Part Of: Physical & occupational therapy in geriatrics. Volume 31:Number 1(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2013-02-18
• Subjects: Physical therapy for older people -- Periodicals; Occupational therapy for older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.820846
• DOI: 10.3109/02703181.2012.750411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0270-3181

Abstract

<abstract> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>Background and Purpose</italic>: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of visuospatial neglect on functional outcome and discharge destination in individuals with right brain damage. <italic>Methods</italic>: Sixteen subjects agreed to participate in the study and 6 of these subjects demonstrated visuospatial neglect. During two different data collection periods, participants were evaluated with the Rivermead Behavioral Inattention Test, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Chedoke-McMaster Impairment Inventory. <italic>Results</italic>: Admission and discharge FIM scores were significantly lower for subjects with visuospatial neglect. The discharge destination for the group with visuospatial neglect demonstrated a trend toward supported living (i.e., long-term care). The groups did not differ significantly in onset to rehabilitation admission interval or length of rehabilitation stay. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: The presence of visuospatial neglect may predict the need for greater amounts of caregiver assistance at discharge.</p> </abstract>