Changes in quality of life after rehabilitation for patients with progressive neurological disorders

Abstract

The aim was to study whether patients with progressive neurological disorders experienced a changed quality of life at the end of a rehabilitation period and 3-4 months after their return home. Forty-one and 37 patients respectively filled in a self-administered questionnaire Quality of Life: Status and Change (QLsc). There was a significant difference between the two occasions for responses regarding the items 'My bodily health has become', 'My well-being has become' and 'I am able to maintain a good pace and lead an active life'. The alternatives 'rather good' to 'much better' were chosen more often at the end of the rehabilitation period than after 3-4 months. There were also differences between respondents who had been to the rehabilitation centre for the first time and those who had recurrent visits, regarding the items: 'My bodily health has become', 'My well-being has become' and 'My whole life is'. The alternative neither/nor was rated fairly evenly on both response occasions. The study probably indicates that the recurrent rehabilitation periods at the centre have an effect. When the respondents respond to items with a global focus, they seem to indicate experiences of a higher QOL.