title: Prognostic factors for discharge destination after acute stroke: a comprehensive literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the future, budget constraints will make efficient care for stroke patients more important. The cost of hospitalization for stroke is high. It is desirable to consider a patient's discharge destination soon after onset and thereby screen patients for further care. This study aims to review the evidence of factors that determine discharge destinations after acute phase of stroke in adult patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The systematic literature search was performed in seven databases. This systematic review was conducted by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA statement). Full-text articles were included and assessed for methodological quality by two independent researchers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen articles were selected that demonstrate factors defining discharge destination. Younger age, good post-stroke admission to a teaching hospital, and a number of medical factors are determinants to a favorable discharge destination. Determinants for unfavorable discharge destinations were a severe stroke, high body mass index, alcohol abuse, statin withdrawal during hospitalization, the presence of comorbidities like respiratory failure and dementia or having a Medicaid insurance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patient initial medical care, age and sex, neurological and medical complications and environmental/socio-economic factors should be considered in the decision-making process for discharge destination.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van der Cruyssen
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vereeck
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Saeys
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Remmen
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003657:Decision Making; D004467:Economics; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000208:ethnology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
keywords: Cerebrovascular disorders; discharge destination; stroke