Development of a disability team in general practice

On the assumption that team-work, follow-up monitoring and the involvement of a neurologist would contribute to the management of chronic disabling conditions, a project to promote these aims was operated for two years in four general practices serving a rural population of 35 000. Physically disabled adults posing management problems were discussed (in their absence) at meetings attended by general practitioners, nurses, therapists, social workers and district- based staff including a neurologist. The majority of the 138 patients reviewed had neurological diagnoses. Team-work and routine surveillance of patients were generally favoured by therapists, health visitors and others more than by GPs and district nurses. Nevertheless, the project demonstrated how a community disability team can function at minimal cost, with potential benefits to patients.