Patient Satisfaction with Residential Adjustment to Blindness Training

Abstract

Patients who had received adjustment to blindness training at a VA residential center were questioned as to the program's effectiveness after they had returned to their community for a period of six months or longer. Patient satisfaction was high, with approximately half of the veterans rating the program as optimal in most areas. Expressions of dissatisfaction were directed to wanting more rather than less training, attesting to the relevancy of the traditional model of residential blind skill training. Need for additional braille and communications skills was expressed, as well as a desire for more recreational activities. Use of blindfold training was strongly endorsed. Essentially two-thirds of the blinded veterans who received training described their lives as either extremely satisfying or somewhat satisfying at that time. Patient satisfaction ratings were seen to be a useful method of evaluating rehabilitation services.