Centenary of the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences

Functioning at 6 months post stroke following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation

Susan Rouillard, Willy De Weerdt, Liesbet De Wit, Jennifer Jelsma

Abstract


Objectives. To determine activity limitations, participation restrictions, health-related quality of life and caregiver strain in community-dwelling stroke survivors discharged from an intensive inpatient rehabilitation programme at 6 months post stroke.
Methods. Fifty-one consecutive stroke patients admitted to a Western Cape rehabilitation centre were included. Community-dwelling participants (N=46) at 6 months post stroke were assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Barthel index (BI), Nottingham extended activities of daily living (NEADL) scale, Euroqol (EQ-5D) instrument and caregiver strain index (CSI).
Results. Most participants (73.9%) were independent in activities of daily living or had minimal disability (BI 75 - 100). However, according to the NEADL, many participants were not independent in housework (60.9%), food preparation (52.2%), shopping (80.4%) and public transport use (65.2%), implying the need for caregiver assistance. According to the MRS, 29% of participants were severely disabled, requiring caregiver assistance for basic needs, and 20% could not be left alone. Feelings of anxiety or depression were felt in 50% of participants and 59% reported pain or discomfort, according to the EQ-5D. High levels of caregiver strain were reported in 56% of caregivers (CSI). Follow-up after discharge was reported in few participants.
Conclusions. Consideration should be given to support for stroke survivors and caregivers after discharge and whether targeted programmes can improve specific aspects of functioning, such as community mobility.

Authors' affiliations

Susan Rouillard, Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town

Willy De Weerdt, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Liesbet De Wit, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Jennifer Jelsma, Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town

Full Text

PDF (577KB) HTML

Keywords

stroke; activity limitations; participation restrictions

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2012;102(6):545-548.

Article History

Date submitted: 2011-11-25
Date published: 2012-05-23

Article Views

Abstract views: 5046
Full text views: 9325

Comments on this article

*Read our policy for posting comments here