Characterizing speech and language pathology outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.
Hatfield B, Millet D, Coles J, Gassaway J, Conroy B, Smout RJ. Characterizing speech and language pathology outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a subset of speech-language pathology (SLP) patients in the Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project and to examine outcomes for patients with low admission FIM levels of auditory comprehension and verbal expression.


METHODS
Observational cohort study.


METHODS
Five inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.


METHODS
Patients (N=397) receiving post-stroke SLP with admission FIM cognitive components at levels 1 through 5.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Increase in comprehension and expression FIM scores from admission to discharge.


RESULTS
Cognitively and linguistically complex SLP activities (problem-solving and executive functioning skills) were associated with greater likelihood of success in low- to mid-level functioning communicators in the acute post-stroke rehabilitation period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results challenge common clinical practice by suggesting that use of high-level cognitively and linguistically complex SLP activities early in a patient's stay may result in more efficient practice and better outcomes regardless of the patient's functional communication severity level on admission.
Hatfield
Brooke
B
National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA. brooke.hatfield@medstar.net
Millet
Deborah
D
Coles
Janice
J
Gassaway
Julie
J
Conroy
Brendan
B
Smout
Randall J
RJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007808:Language Therapy; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013070:Speech Therapy; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome