Outcomes in two post-acute non-inpatient rehabilitation settings.
BACKGROUND
Although several attempts have been made to look into the "black box" of inpatient rehabilitation, little is known about therapy effectiveness in outpatient settings.


METHODS
This study described the characteristics of 167 persons with stroke referred to one of two outpatient settings-a comprehensive rehabilitation program or a single modality outpatient clinic within one system of care; the services provided in each setting; and the relationship of patient and therapy characteristics to rehabilitation outcomes.


RESULTS
Differences were found in the characteristics of persons referred to each setting and the amount and intensity of therapy provided. The amount of therapy provided was positively related to initial status (greater need results in more therapy), but better outcomes appeared to be more strongly related to the match between the need and amount of therapy provided than to the amount provided (more therapy does not necessarily result in better outcomes).
Bode
Rita K
RK
Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Heinemann
Allen W
AW
Zahara
Donna
D
Lovell
Linda
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome