Continued Occupational Therapy for Stroke Patients after Hospital Discharge

Abstract

There is a need for continuing support and intervention for stroke patients after in-patient rehabilitation. A randomized controlled trial was therefore conducted with the aim of evaluating the influence of continued rehabilitative intervention by an occupational therapist to stroke patients after their discharge from a stroke unit. One hundred and ten patients were recruited and randomly allocated to either a control or intervention group. Those in the intervention group were reviewed regularly by an occupational therapist (at 2, 8, 16 and 24 weeks following discharge) and appropriate therapeutic interventions were carried out as needed. The control patients received no special intervention or follow-up. Outcome of the two groups was compared at one year post stroke, using measures of activities of daily living, extended activities of daily living, mood, overall quality of life and use of services. Although there were few
significant differences between the two groups at one year in terms of activities of daily living, extended activities of daily living, mood, overall quality of life and use of services, the number of stair rails and toilet aids received by the intervention group was significantly more (p=0.05) and the number of readmissions less (p=0.03). The provision of a follow-up service may benefit the patients by addressing any problems they have post discharge, ensuring they receive all necessary aids and maintaining them at home and reducing the need for readmissions to hospital.

Date of Award	Jan 1994
Original language	English