Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a stroke-specific follow-up care
model on quality of life for stroke patients, being discharged home, and their
caregivers. DESIGN: A non-randomized, controlled trial, comparing an intervention
group with a control group
(usual care). SUBJECTS:
Stroke patients and their
caregivers. METHODS: Intervention involved 5 home visits by a stroke care
coordinator over a period of 18 months, using a structured assessment tool.
Outcome measures were conducted at baseline (T0) and every 6 months thereafter
(T6, T12 and T18) in the domains of quality of life (primary), activities of
daily living, social activities, depression, anxiety and caregiver strain.
RESULTS: The intervention group (n = 62) had significantly increased its social
activities after 18 months, whereas the control group (n = 55) showed
significantly decreased levels of social activities. In the first 6 months,
levels of depression decreased significantly in caregivers of the intervention
group. No differences were found for quality of life and the other outcome
measures. CONCLUSION:
The intervention was not effective in improving quality of
life, but was effective in improving levels of social activities. The
intervention may have focussed too much on screening for stroke-related problems
and not as much on adequate follow-up care and referral.

Langue : ANGLAIS