Article

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of multi-disciplinary, structured rehabilitation
of older patients in a district inpatient rehabilitation centre (Model 1) versus
standard primary health care rehabilitation (Model 2). METHOD: Open, prospective,
comparative observational study. Totally 302 patients, 202 in Model 1 and 100 in
Model 2, aged >/= 65 years, with stroke, osteoarthritis, hip fracture or other
chronic diseases, considered to have a rehabilitation potential. Referred from
district hospital, nursing- or own homes. Outcomes: Primary: Sunnaas ADL Index
(SI). Secondary: Umeaa Life Satisfaction Checklist (LSC). Cognitive (MMSE),
emotional (SCL-10) and marital status, residence, length of rehabilitation and
hours/week care services. Follow-up 3 months after end of rehabilitation.
RESULTS: Patients in Model 1 improved and persisted 1.9 points higher in SI (CI
(1.0, 2.8), p < 0.001) compared to Model 2, with 2.4 weeks shorter rehabilitation
(CI (1.6, 3.1), p < 0.001). LSC indicated similar satisfaction within both
models. Fewer Model 1 patients received home care services >3 h/week (OR = 0.6 CI
(0.4, 0.8), p = 0.002). Cognitive status predicted the SI gain positively, and
level of care services negatively, in both models. CONCLUSIONS: Disabled older
patients increase their independency significantly more within shorter time upon
structured, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation in a district inpatient centre
compared to standard primary health care rehabilitation. [Box: see text].

Langue : ANGLAIS