Abstract
Australia has a very high incidence of alcohol-related brain damage, and patients with this condition present particular problems in rehabilitation. A series of 104 patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit at Rozelle Hospital in 1983 was followed up for a mean of 16 months after discharge. At that stage, 51% of patients were stable and sober in the community, though none was fully independent. Eleven per cent were still in hospital, 5% were known to be dead, and 33% were lost to follow-up. The more severely damaged on neuropsychological testing appeared to do better than the less severe, although those still in hospital at follow-up were among the worst damaged of the series. The program is described, with suggested reasons for its success with particular patient groups, and implications for treatment of patients who are less overtly damaged.
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K. Jean Lennane
Both authors formerly Public Health Officers, Eastern Sydney Area Public Health Unit Previously general practitioner, Orange NSW, Australia.