Abstract
Investigation was performed on 10 adult patients with severe congenital heart disease, who had been treated as inpatients at National Iwaki Hospital during the period from 1986 to 1995 and who were graduated from the advanced course of Aomori Pref ectural Namioka Weak Children's School (school for physically handicapped), which was located adjacent to the hospital.
Investigation was performed by disseminating questionnaire. After the graduation from the advanced course of the school, these children chose their subsequent course as follows: 4 chose employment, 3 entered higher school, and chose treatment under home care. Of 4 patients who chose employment, 2 changed their job later, and one of the reasons for changing the job was related to their physical problems. In the results of the questionnaire survey, it was found that their problems were diverse: problem of transport cost when moving, trouble related to re-authorization of the pocket book for physically handicapped person, etc. Based on their opinions, an association for the improvement of quality of life of heart disease patients named “Doshitera” was established by the patients, medical care provider, local social welfare council, local administrative services, firms, and the weak children's school. At present, the association is making considerable contribution to the improvement of QOL of the patients. Further efforts will be made to attain the better results.
