Functional improvement of stroke patients at Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center

Abstract

Objective : To determine functional outcome as well as correlations between functional status at admission and length of hospital stay (LOHS) of stroke patients who completely attended rehabilitation program at Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center from year 2006 to 2008.

Method : Reviewed medical record of stroke patients admitted during August 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008. LOHS, location after discharge and functional status as the following; modified Barthel activity of daily living index (BAI), household and community ambulation were obtained. BAI at admission and discharge were compared. The correlations between functional status at admission and LOHS were determined.

Result : Two hundred twenty seven medical records of stroke patients were reviewed. There were 24 patients who were not complete rehabilitation program and need to refer compose of 17 medical complications, 6 surgical complications and one financial problem. The average age of patients is 60.61 ± 13.05 years. 61.1% of the patients (n = 124) were men. 67.48% of the patients (n = 137) were covered by health insurance. The most common cause of stroke was cerebral infarction (56.2%, n = 114). The median LOHS was 58 days. LOHS had significantly inverse correlations with functional status at admission (BAI, household and community ambulation) (p <0.001). All patients could stay at home after discharge. There was significantly functional improvement in activity of daily living and ambulation level after complete rehabilitation program.

Conclusion : Stroke patients who completely attended rehabilitation program at Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center showed significant functional improvement. Functional status at admission is a predictive factor of LOHS. All patients can stay with their families after discharge.