The experiences of adults with cerebral palsy during periods of hospitalisation.

People with cerebral palsy may have a range of disabilities that can result in daily dependence on others to meet some or all of their basic and more complex care needs. The aim of this New South Wales research was to examine the experiences of adults with cerebral palsy during inpatient admission to a number of public hospitals. A self-selected sample of 31 adults with cerebral palsy completed a questionnaire that collected information related to their disability-specific needs and how well these were addressed by nursing staff during admissions to hospitals. Analysis of the data revealed that many respondents felt hospital staff had limited knowledge and skills of caring for people with cerebral palsy, resulting in their basic care needs not being adequately addressed during periods of hospitalisation. Changes in nursing assessment, continuing education and discharge planning are recommended to address these issues.