Article

The aim of this study was to compare service delivery after
discharge. METHODS : A total of 532 consecutive patients after stroke were
recruited from 4 European rehabilitation centres in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium
and the UK. At 2-month intervals, clinical assessments and structured interviews
were carried out to document functional status and delivery of services after
discharge. Significant factors for receiving follow-up services were analysed
using a logistic generalized estimating equation model. RESULTS: After
controlling for case-mix, the results showed that Belgian patients were most
likely to receive physical therapy but least likely to receive occupational
therapy. German patients were least likely to receive nursing care. UK patients
were less likely to receive medical care from their general practitioner compared
with the other patient groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics did not
explain the variations in service delivery after discharge from in-patient stroke
rehabilitation.
The decision-making processes involved in the provision of
follow-up services need to be better documented. To improve our understanding of
events post-discharge, the influence of non-clinical factors, such as healthcare regulations, should be explored further.

Langue : ANGLAIS