Information used in rehabilitation decisions: some research results

In: British journal of visual impairment: BJVI, Band 10, Heft 3, S. 83-87

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a research programme (1988-89) directed at determining what information is used by the staff in social services departments responsible for making decisions about the rehabilitation of visually handicapped people. Four principal categories of information were identified: personality and aptitude traits; level of social and financial support; general health (including age); and aspects of visual function. The first two sources of information accounted for 65% of discriminations made for alternative course of action in rehabilitation, while information about visual function was the least frequently used (i.e. 11%). There was no evidence that informa tion about a patient/client's clinical diagnosis was used in decision-making about rehabilitation. The results of this study were used to assist redrafting of the revised BD8 (1990) form.