Article

In Ontario, stroke patients with relatively mild functional deficits are
admitted to inpatient rehabilitation programmes. Despite apparently minor
impairments, many of these patients remain in rehabilitation for prolonged
periods of time. The objective of the present study is to identify variables that
predict length of stay (LOS) within this population of high functioning stroke
patients. METHODS: Stroke patients with Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
scores >/=100 admitted to a specialised inpatient rehabilitation programme in
Ontario, Canada, from April 2005 to March 2008 were included in this study. Data
from the National Rehabilitation Reporting System and chart review were used.
Associations with LOS were examined among 25 potential predictor variables using
bivariate correlations. Significantly correlated (p <0.002) variables were
entered into a multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent (n = 134)
of patients admitted during the study period were identified as presenting with
mild functional deficits. These patients had a mean admission age of 63.5 (SD
14.6) years, a mean admission FIM score of 109.9 (SD 6.6) and a mean LOS of 22.3
(SD 10.5) days. FIM motor and cognitive subscale scores, Mini Mental State Exam
scores and five single items assessing orientation, financial independence, and
verbal, written and auditory communication ability were significantly correlated
with LOS. The regression model, which included all eight variables, explained 60%
of the variance associated with LOS (r = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: For patients
admitted to stroke rehabilitation programmes with mild functional impairment, 60%
of the variance in LOS can be explained by a small number of variables indicative
of deficits in the areas of motor function, cognition and communication.

Langue : ANGLAIS