title: Shorter length of stay in the stroke unit: comparison between the 1990s and 2000s.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The process ruling length of stay (LOS) in hospitals is complex, and changes over time in LOS have not been explored. The purpose of the study was to examine differences in LOS, use of and satisfaction with health-related services, and capacity in activities of daily living (ADLs) during the first year post stroke in 2 groups of patients with mild to moderate stroke who received care in the same stroke unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients (1993/96, n=40; 2006/07, n=43) in this study received care in the stroke unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Data on LOS and on the use of health-related services were collected from the Stockholm County Council computerized registers. Satisfaction with health related services was assessed using a questionnaire covering different dimensions of care, while ADLs were assessed using Katz Extended Index of ADL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The LOS in the stroke unit was shorter in the 2006-2007 group (median 8 days) compared to the 1993-1996 group (13 days) (P < .001). Both groups were equally satisfied with health-related services received. A larger proportion of patients were independent in ADLs 3 months post stroke in the 2006-2007 group, but no difference was seen at 6 or 12 months post stroke.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It seems possible to reduce the number of days spent in the stroke unit after mild to moderate stroke and instead spend days in a rehabilitation unit, and yet achieve similar patient satisfaction and faster recovery in ADL.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Malin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tistad
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ytterberg
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sjöstrand
authors.forename: Lotta Widén
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Holmqvist
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: von Koch
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology