The Berg balance scale as a predictor of length of stay and discharge destination in an acute stroke rehabilitation setting.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the utility of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in predicting length of stay and discharge destination for patients admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Regional tertiary inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
One hundred twenty-eight of 141 patients admitted consecutively between January 1, 1995, and March 31, 1996.


METHODS
Length of stay and discharge destination.


RESULTS
Admission BBS scores and Functional Independence Measure scores correlated with length of stay (r = -0.6 and -0.5, respectively, controlling for age). Logistic regression revealed that the following were independent predictors of being discharged home rather than to an institution (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval): admission BBS (1.09, 1.04-1.13), age (.89, .83-.95), and presence of family support (11.7, 3.1-44.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Measuring the BBS scores of patients upon admission to an acute stroke rehabilitation unit may assist in approximating length of stay and predicting eventual discharge destination.
Wee
J Y
JY
Queen's University, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Bagg
S D
SD
Palepu
A
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D004856:Postural Balance