title: Stroke outcome in the absence of a structured rehabilitation programme.
abstract: The outcome of acute stroke in 210 hospitalised patients was investigated by retrospective case-note review and household follow-up. The first month was the critical period for survival, with the highest number of fatalities being recorded in the first week (38%). Survival to 1 year was much lower than expected. Functional status of survivors (N = 35) was assessed by means of a structured interview, which included an objective functional assessment scale, carried out in the patient's own home. The factors influencing low assessment scores were identified. Recommendations centre on the development of a standard policy for co-ordinated stroke management and the methods by which this might be achieved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, University of Natal, Durban.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Dewar
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000401:mortality / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013019:South Africa; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors