View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
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2.5.3 STAFF A(((rUDES<br />
An examination <strong>of</strong>staffattitudes and behaviour reveals concern and loyalty to the patient<br />
as a concept <strong>of</strong> good rehabilitation. The demanding nature <strong>of</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> physically<br />
disabled requires long term commitment, dedication to service and high tolerance for<br />
stress and frustration. What is less obvious are some <strong>of</strong> the unconscious needs and<br />
attitudes <strong>of</strong> staff which may hinder the process <strong>of</strong> rehabilitation. Rehabilitation team<br />
members are urged to resume responsibility for patients and at the same time to deal with<br />
conflicts concerning their own unresolved dependency needs and longing for care and<br />
affection. Stewart (1996:418) states that constant exposure to physical disability can be<br />
emotionally overwhelming and threatening to the therapist's own sense <strong>of</strong> intactness.<br />
Staff may go through identical stages <strong>of</strong> adaptation, may deny the extent <strong>of</strong> the<br />
dysfunction and become depressed and mourn. This retards rehabilitation <strong>of</strong>the disabled<br />
persons and instead promotes dependency.<br />
The rehabilitation team may, without COIlSClOUS intent, encourage unrealistic<br />
rehabilitation goals based on the need to feel successful pr<strong>of</strong>essionally and to be liked by<br />
patients and their families. Lamb (1994:189) states that when patients donot improve the<br />
team may feel as failures, guilty or in adequate, and then reject the patients. Levitin<br />
(1996:331) states thatthe rehabilitation team should be taught to be emotionally neutral<br />
and thatthe behaviour important for this value is maintaining distance from the patient<br />
Stereotyping <strong>of</strong> the physically disabled was found to be prevalent among pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
staffat rehabilitation agencies. The physician showed a considerable degree <strong>of</strong>pessimism<br />
aboutsuccess in rehabilitation. Ifstaffeven unconsciously tend towards stereotyping and<br />
labeling patients as impossible to rehabilitation, they fail to evaluate the total person and<br />
undermine long-term rehabilitation potential. The disabled need to be treated by<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional staff that demonstrate respect, empathy and a humanistic philosophy<br />
(Trombly, 1995:283).<br />
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