title: Korean Stroke Cohort for functioning and rehabilitation (KOSCO): study rationale and protocol of a multi-centre prospective cohort study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Development of a long-term stroke care plan requires serial assessment of long-term patient function and consideration of caregiver mood. However, to date, few comprehensive cohort studies have included both stroke patients and caregivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  KOSCO is a large, multi-centre prospective cohort study for all acute first-ever stroke patients admitted to participating hospitals in nine distinct areas of Korea. This study is designed as a 10-year, longitudinal follow-up investigating the residual disabilities, activity limitations, and quality of life issues arising in patients suffering from first-ever stroke. The main objectives of this study are to identify the factors that influence residual disability and long-term quality of life. The secondary objectives of this study are to determine the risk of mortality and recurrent vascular events in patients with acute first-ever stroke. We will investigate longitudinal health behaviors and patterns of healthcare utilization, including stroke rehabilitation care. We will also investigate the long-term health status, mood, and quality of life in stroke patient caregivers. In addition, we will identify baseline and ongoing characteristics that are associated with our secondary outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  KOSCO is a prospective, multi-centre, 10-year longitudinal follow-up study investigating the residual disabilities, activity limitations, and quality of life issues arising in patients suffering from first-ever stroke.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation, Heart Vascular and Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Republic of Korea. wh.chang@samsung.com.
authors.forename: Won Hyuk
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 301-721, Republic of Korea. mksohn@cnu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Min Kyun
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, 120-1 Neungdong-ro, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-729, Republic of Korea. leej@kuh.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Jongmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Republic of Korea. kimdy@yuhs.ac.
authors.forename: Deog Young
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 42 Jebong-ro, Donggu, Gwangju, 501-757, Republic of Korea. lee9299@daum.net.
authors.forename: Sam-Gyu
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, 179 Gudeok-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 602-739, Republic of Korea. rmshin@pusan.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Yong-Il
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 895 Muwang-ro, Iksan, Jeonlabuk-do, 570-711, Republic of Korea. pmokj@wonkwang.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Gyung-Jae
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-721, Republic of Korea. leeyangsoo@knu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Yang-Soo
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 895 Muwang-ro, Iksan, Jeonlabuk-do, 570-711, Republic of Korea. mcjoo68@wonkwang.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Min Cheol
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Joo
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, University of Jeju School of Medicine, 15 Aran 13-gil, Jeju, 690-767, Republic of Korea. clearblue10@naver.com.
authors.forename: Eun Young
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for Prevention and Rehabilitation, Heart Vascular and Stroke Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-710, Republic of Korea. yunkim@skku.edu.
authors.forename: Yun-Hee
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D000066530:Neurological Rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D056910:Republic of Korea; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology