HOSPITAL-BASED AND HOME-BASED REHABILITATION AFTER-DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL FOR STROKE PATIENTS - ANALYSIS OF 2 TRIALS

We examined the methodology and results of two previously published randomized controlled trials of home- and hospital-based rehabilitation for stroke patients after discharge from hospital in Bradford and Nottingham, in view of apparently discrepant findings in the two trials. In an analysis of the combined findings of both studies, there was little difference in terms of efficacy between home- and hospital-based care, but a small advantage in favour of home therapy was found in reducing disability between hospital discharge and 6 months. Contrary to an earlier report, we did not find a differential effect of treatment between those who were and those who were not frail. We conclude that home therapy is the method of stroke after-care of choice in urban settings in the UK, although this conclusion may not apply in other health-care settings and further studies are required.