Predicting discharge outcomes for stroke patients in Australia.

Abstract

This study aimed to describe discharge outcomes and explore their correlates for patients rehabilitated after stroke at an Australian hospital from 1993 to 1998. Data on length of stay, discharge functional status, and discharge destination were retrospectively obtained from medical records. Patients' actual rehabilitation length of stay was compared with the Australian National Sub-Acute and Non-Acute Patient predicted length of stay. The change in length of stay over the 5-yr period from 1993 to 1998 was documented. Patients' mean converted motor FIM scores improved from 53.1 at admission to 74.1 at discharge. Lower admission-converted motor FIM scores were related to longer length of stay, lower discharge-converted motor FIM scores, and the need for a change in living situation on discharge. The results of this study provide Australian data on discharge outcomes after stroke to assist in the planning and delivery of appropriate interventions to individual patients during rehabilitation.