medical professionalHealth, Quality Of Life And Employment Among Thalidomide-affected People

Aims

There is growing evidence, both here in the UK and internationally, that thalidomide survivors are experiencing an increasing number of thalidomide-related health problems as they age. It is also costing people more to live with these problems. The new ten year (2013 – 2022) Health Grant funded by the Health Departments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is now in place. For many people it will be central in helping them to manage their changing health needs and maintain their quality of life.

This research aims to gather details of the health-related quality of life and employment situations of all thalidomide survivors in the UK, including an indication of how they spend their Health Grant.

The research was commissioned by the UK Thalidomide Trust and carried out by Firefly Research.

What was found

There were two parts to the research – a survey of the health-related quality of life and employment situations of all thalidomide-affected people in the UK; and in depth telephone interviews with around 50 thalidomide- affected people.

The findings were summarised into the main areas:

  • Health related quality of life
  • Thalidomide related health problems
    • Reduced flexibility and mobility
    • Pain and stiffness
    • Tingling and numbness
    • Mental and emotional health
  • Employment
  • Concerns about the future
  • Ten year Health Grant - current use

View a summary of the survey results and the full published report here:

Health, Quality of Life and Employment amongst Thalidomide-affected People – Evidence from the UK

 

You may also be interested in