Barriers and Facilitators Related to Rehabilitation Stays in XXXX : A Qualitative Study.

@entity1 @entity15
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown the positive effects of multidisciplinary rehabilitation on disability and health-related quality of life in @entity15 ( @entity15 ). However, many @entity1 do not seek such treatment, even if it is available free of charge. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers related to use of such treatment options. METHODS: Five focus group interviews with 27 @entity15 @entity1 were conducted. Three groups included @entity1 who had been admitted to a multidisciplinary @entity15 rehabilitation institution, and two groups included outpatients of a university hospital who had not applied for specialized rehabilitation. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and were analyzed qualitatively by means of a modified form of systematic text condensation. RESULTS: Important factors influencing the use of an @entity15 rehabilitation service were 1) the availability and suitability of initial information about the disease and the service, 2) assumptions and expectations about such a service, and 3) practical barriers in the @entity1 's life. The prospect of having a retreat from work and family was described as a motivational factor. Lack of reorientation after diagnosis, fears and perceptions of being labeled as an @entity15 @entity1 , or having information overload and being confronted with disabled individuals were identified as barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Communication skills, including information-giving skills, of neurologists in relation to newly diagnosed @entity15 @entity1 need improvement. Rehabilitation programs for @entity15 @entity1 should include stays of different durations and purposes to fit @entity1 ' needs. Health-care authorities should take measures to secure equal access to information about rehabilitation options across institutions and practicing physicians.
