Haemophilia: A survey on social issues

Citation

Markova I, Lockyer R & Forbes CD (1977) Haemophilia: A survey on social issues. Health Bulletin, 35 (4), pp. 177-182.

Abstract
Although haemophiliais an uncommon disease affecting only about 3-4 people per 100,000 of the population it presents major problems in the provision of adequate medical, nursing and social care. In the region with just over 300 patients they have found major gaps in the services which are provided. Some of them, for example in the setting up of large stocks of plasma concentrates, require additional money from Central Government. However, many of the problems are of a purely social nature and require the education of doctors, nurses, para-medical workers and the general public in order to bring about the necessary change of attitude to this and related diseases. This report has concentrated on the medical, social and domestic aspects of haemophilia and directs attention to the problems of adequate and properly designed housing for the disabled patient. This area of care is of paramount importance to those with limited mobility but has been widely neglected by local authorities. It is of interest to note that conservative costing of the treatment of the fifteen-year old boy described in this report givesafigure of £15,000 over a two-year period, as well as the personal cost to him in terms of the incalculable anxiety discomfort and damage to joints which he has suffered. It is their belief that many of these costly hospital admissions and much of his suffering might have been prevented by thoughful foresight in re-housing. At the same time education of the patient and the cultivation of a more positive and active attitude on his part is important if he is to become aware of the help and benefits available to him from the Social Services and know how to obtain them.

Journal
Health Bulletin: Volume 35, Issue 4