Association of physical functioning with same-hospital readmission after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Readmission after hospitalization for stroke is an important outcome. We sought to document the frequency of same-hospital readmission and to determine the relative value of physical functioning as a predictor of the outcome.


METHODS
Consenting patients (n = 228) who were admitted for ischemic stroke were characterized according to demographics, stroke severity, and self-reported prestroke and postadmission physical functioning. The hospital's administrative database was used to track readmissions during the year after index hospitalization.


RESULTS
Same-hospital readmissions were experienced by 37.3% of the patients. The readmissions usually occurred within 100 days of discharge. The most common readmission diagnosis was stroke (14.1%). Lower prestroke and postadmission physical functioning (as reflected by dichotomous Barthel index scores) were weak but significant predictors of readmission (r = -0.165 and -0.268, respectively). Regression analysis showed that once postadmission physical functioning was accounted for, neither prestroke functioning nor any other measured variable added to the explanation of same-hospital readmission.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of physical functioning goes beyond rehabilitation. It is a potentially modifiable variable with implications for readmission.
Bohannon
Richard W
RW
Research Department, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
Lee
Nora
N
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D015897:Comorbidity; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors