Patient review is aimed at assessing the patient holistically.
This can include addressing a number of specific issues relating
to neurological dysfunction, such as bowel, bladder and sexual
dysfunction, as well as social and psychological issues. The
review is usually undertaken by a member ofthe medical team
(senior house officer (SHO) to consultant) although the
consultant's knowledge and experience within this field is
more extensive than the more junior medical staff. This fact
had become apparent to the nurses working on the spinal unit,
who often reported that patients visited the ward following their check-up to seek help and advice relating to specific care
issues from the more experienced nursing staff. When
challenged as to why they had not discussed this with the
doctor in clinic most reported that the junior doctor lacked
practical advice, or simply did not ask.