Prognostic factors of activity limitation and discharge destination after stroke rehabilitation

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify predictive variables related to activity limitation and home destination of a large sample of first-time stroke patients at discharge from a rehabilitation hospital. Design: A multicenter observational study was conducted among 1023 first-time stroke patients who were admitted to 18 different Italian inpatient rehabilitation centers between February 1999 and November 2000. Only 997 patients were considered eligible. At admission, socio-demographic and clinical data were considered as independent variables. The outcome measures evaluated the ability to become functionally independent (independence gain [Barthel Index score >= 18]) at discharge and home return. Results: The study data suggest that independence gain is associated with an earlier rehabilitation intervention, being male, and low or absent cognitive deficit. Home return is associated with no indwelling bladder catheterization, no dysphagia, and living with a companion (roommate or family member) before the stroke. Conclusions: In postacute stroke rehabilitation, level of cognitive impairment, bladder dysfunction and dysphagia, early diagnosis and treatment, early rehabilitation intervention, and living status (whether the person was residing with a companion before the stroke) are important criteria for outcome measurement at the time of admission. These previous characteristics will most certainly provide clinicians with useful information during the acute phase.