[Can readmission after apoplexy be prevented? Post-hospital follow-up intervention for apoplexy patients].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate two models of an organised postdischarge follow-up service for stroke survivors in comparison with standard aftercare.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-five stroke patients discharged to their homes with lasting impairment were randomised as follows: 54 to follow-up home visits by a physician (INT1-HVP), 53 to instruction by a physiotherapist in their home (INT2-PI), and 48 to standard aftercare (control). Six months after discharge, data on readmission were collected.


RESULTS
The readmission rate over the six-month period was 26% in the INT1-HVP group, 34% in the INT2-PI group, and 44% for the controls (p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis of the readmission risk showed a significant, favourable effect of intervention in interaction with the length of hospital stay (p = 0.0332), which indicates that the effect of intervention was strongest for patients with a long inpatient rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up intervention after discharge seems to be a way of preventing readmission, especially for patients with a long inpatient rehabilitation.
Andersen
H E
HE
H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, Københavns Universitet, Panum Instituttet, Center for Forskning og Udvikling på AEldreområdet, Institut for Folkesundhedsvidenskab, Afdeling for Biostatistik. hanneelkjaer@dadlnet.dk
Schultz-Larsen Jürgensen
K
K
Kreiner
S
S
Forchhammer
B H
BH
Eriksen
K
K
Brown
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation