title: A consensus on stroke: early supported discharge.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Research evidence supporting Early Supported Discharge (ESD) services has been summarized in a Cochrane Systematic Review. Trials have shown that ESD can reduce long-term dependency and admission to institutional care and reduce the length of hospital stay. No adverse impact on the mood or well-being of patients or carers has been reported. With the implementation of many national and international stroke initiatives, we felt it timely to reach consensus about ESD among trialists who contributed to the review.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a modified Delphi approach with 10 ESD trialists. An agreed list of statements about ESD was generated from the Cochrane review and three rounds of consultation completed. ESD trialists rated statements regarding team composition, model of team work, intervention, and success.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consensus of opinion (>75% agreement) was obtained on 47 of the 56 statements. Multidisciplinary, specialist stroke ESD teams should plan and co-ordinate both discharge from hospital and provide rehabilitation in the community. Specific eligibility criteria (safety, practicality, medical stability, and disability) need to be followed to ensure this service is provided for mild to moderate stroke patients who can benefit from ESD. Length of stay in hospital, patient and carer outcome measures and cost, need to be routinely audited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have created a consensus document that can be used by commissioners and service providers in implementing ESD services. Our aim is to promote the use of recommendations derived from research findings to facilitate successful implementation of stroke services nationally and internationally.
authors: CLAHRC NDL, Stroke Rehabilitation Theme, 9 Triumph Road, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2GT, UK. rebecca.fisher@nottingham.ac.uk
authors: Rebecca J
authors: RJ
authors: Fisher
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Gaynor
authors: Micky
authors: M
authors: Kerr
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Langhorne
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Anderson
authors: Erik
authors: E
authors: Bautz-Holter
authors: Bent
authors: B
authors: Indredavik
authors: Nancy E
authors: NE
authors: Mayo
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Power
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Rodgers
authors: Ole Morten
authors: OM
authors: Rønning
authors: Lotta
authors: L
authors: Widén Holmqvist
authors: Charles D A
authors: CD
authors: Wolfe
authors: Marion F
authors: MF
authors: Walker
mesh_terms: D003697:Delphi Technique; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge; D020521:Stroke; D013997:Time Factors