What happens to stroke patients after hospital discharge?
Of 231 stroke patients discharged from hospital, 34 patients (14.7%) had died when reviewed 6 months later. Of 195 survivors, 115 (58%) were independent and living in the community. The remaining 80 (42%) patients were dependent. The majority of dependent patients were in institutional care but 29 (36%) were residing in the community of whom a substantial number were not receiving physiotherapy, occupational therapy or day care. Patients who were dependent in nursing homes were less likely to have received physiotherapy (48% versus 70%) or occupational therapy (28% versus 60%) compared to disabled patients in hospital based extended nursing care. 45 patients (24%) had been re-admitted to hospital although only 48% of patients had been reviewed in hospital outpatients since discharge. 64% of patients were on anti-thrombotic treatment. This survey suggests that 6 months after hospital discharge, most stroke patients are still alive and living in the community. Many of the dependent survivors have ongoing unmet medical and rehabilitation needs.
Noone
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Department of Geriatric Medicine, St Columcille's Hospital and Health Information Service, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin.
Fan
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Tarrant
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O'Keeffe
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McDonnell
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Crowe
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D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010351:Patient Discharge; D020521:Stroke / Q000401:mortality*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors