Spina Bifida

Introduction

This article is about the functional independence of young adults who have spina bifida (Verhoef et al., 2006). The main aim of the article was to describe the degree of independence and provide a percentage of these patients, in relation to daily activities amongst young adults with spina bifida (Verhoef et al., 2006). This independence was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (Verhoef et al., 2006). Functional independence was measured by assessing six different domains, which are all daily activities (Verhoef et al., 2006). These domains included transfers, self-care, sphincter control, social cognition, locomotion and communication (Verhoef et al., 2006). These domains were asses by collecting data from medical records of each participant as well as physically examining the patient (Verhoef et al., 2006).

The Functional Independence Measure consists of seven levels (Verhoef et al., 2006). Level one is total assistance needed for the patient, level two is maximal assistance, level three is moderate assistance, level four is minimal contact assistance and level five is supervision or set-up (Verhoef et al., 2006). These seven levels all require a helper to assist, therefore complete independence is not met (Verhoef et al., 2006). Level six is modified independence and level seven is complete independence (Verhoef et al., 2006). These two levels indicate that the patient does not need a helper and that they are relatively independent (Verhoef et al., 2006).

Development

This article indicated many findings of patients with spina bifida. Patients were less likely to be completely independent in three of the eighteen FIMs (Verhoef et al., 2006). These included bathing, toileting and dressing...

... middle of paper ...

...son is. As an Occupational Therapist, understanding that this condition affect people socially, physically and physiologically is very important. Also, to be independent is important to these people, which is what Occupational therapists aim to achieve.

As a further health profession it is important to continue to seek information about this condition. New studies will prove new information about the condition; therefore, it is important that as a health professional I am aware of these changes. I should continue to expand my knowledge by reading about the condition and about new studies.

Works Cited

Verhoef, M., Barf, H., Post, M., van Asbeck, F., Gooskens, R., & Prevo, A. (2006). Functional

independence among young adults with spina bifida, in relation to hydrocephalus and level of lesion. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 48, 114-119