Predictors of resuming therapy within four weeks after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the percentage of persons with stroke resuming therapy within 4 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation discharge, to compare the characteristics of those who did and did not resume therapy, and to determine the predictors of resuming physical (PT), occupational (OT), and speech (ST) therapy.


METHODS
Sociodemographic, stroke-related, and therapy data for persons with stroke (N = 131) were abstracted from inpatient rehabilitation charts. FIM, Stroke Impact Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and data on therapy received after discharge were also collected.


RESULTS
Logistic regression models demonstrated that minorities were less likely to resume PT (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30) and OT (OR = 0.25). Survivors with neglect/visual-field cut/spatial-perceptual loss were 2-3 times more likely to resume PT, OT, and ST. Survivors with higher scores on the SIS Physical domain subscale were less likely to resume PT (OR = 0.98) and OT (OR = 0.97). Men were 3.3 times more likely to have OT than women. Those with comprehensive health insurance were 11.2 times more likely to receive ST.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of outpatient therapy are not universally available to all persons with stroke. Further research needs to explore the factors that hinder the prompt resumption of therapy for minority and female persons with stroke and to test appropriate interventions.
Ostwald
Sharon K
SK
Center on Aging, University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Godwin
Kyler M
KM
Cheong
Hee
H
Cron
Stanley G
SG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation