Stroke rehabilitation: A randomized controlled study in the home setting; Functioning and costs

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of the thesis was to describe and evaluate different aspects of rehabilitation after discharge for persons of working age after stroke. Aims were to compare an approach of support, information and training in the home setting with ordinary outpatient rehabilitation at the clinic and to describe the costs and factors influencing the costs. Method: Fifty-eight persons, median age 53 years (27-64), with a first occurrence of stroke, participated in a randomized controlled study following ordinary in-patient rehabilitation. They received 9 hours of training per week for 3 weeks after discharge either at home (home group, N=29) or at the day clinic (day clinic group, N=29). Blinded evaluations were made at discharge, 3 weeks, 3 months and 1 year post discharge. For outcome, the assessments targeted the different components of the ICF. The main outcome was activity, assessed with the Assessment of Motor and Process Skill (AMPS). Burden of care for the next-of-kin was investigated in the groups. Societal costs for having a stroke were estimated as well as the cost of the two interventions. Rasch analysis was performed on the European Brain Injury Questionnaire (EBIQ) to assess its reliability and validity for outcome evaluation. Result: In the post acute phase most improvement occurred in activity. There seemed to be an earlier improvement on some measures for the home group. The costs of the home group were less than half of the costs of the day clinic group. The caregiver burden was quite high in this study on relatively mild strokes indicating that other aspects than neurological influence the burden. The process skill and presence of aphasia were found to be significantly affecting the length of stay and thereby the cost. The instrument EBIQ was found to be valid and reliable for evaluation. Conclusion: Rehabilitation in the home setting seems to reduce burden of care and costs. Both rehabilitation programs could be recommended; however, further studies are needed to define patients who may specifically benefit from the home rehabilitation program. Needs may differ among younger and older persons which may explain the differences found in resource allocation.