Implementing a stroke rehabilitation area: the first six months.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the development of a stroke rehabilitation area (SRA) for the elderly.


METHODS
Key steps in establishing the SRA are outlined. Using a  before and after  study design, outcomes, including length of stay (LOS) in hospital and discharge domicile, were measured.


RESULTS
Difficulties in changing service delivery within a large organisation are outlined. Median LOS in hospital was reduced significantly by 8.0 days, without adversely affecting discharge domicile.


CONCLUSIONS
We have shown that implementing a SRA in a New Zealand health setting is feasible and can significantly reduce LOS.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation