2019 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 36-42
Background and purpose: Consultation support activities have been provided for people with higher brain dysfunction in community settings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the chief complaints of the participants differ depending on age, the time since the onset of brain injury or who consulted.
Methods: Seventy-five participants were chosen from people with higher brain dysfunction who had consulted with the Rehabilitation Counseling Center for the Physically Handicapped of A city more than once. The participants were classified by their age, by the duration of their diseases and by the person who had first contact with at the Rehabilitation Counseling Center. Chief complaints were classified into 7 categories.
Results: The most common chief complaint was “specialized support.” “Step-up” was the most common chief complaint among the young participants. “Medical intervention and diagnosis” was the most common chief complaint among the participants who were ＞10 years passed the onset of their brain dysfunction. “Family support” was the most common chief complaint among the families who sought consultation.
Consideration: A consultation support organization for people with higher brain dysfunction is required to provide specialized and employment support, discover the support needs of long-term patients, and provide family support. Collaboration between specialized support organizations is also necessary.
