Revisiting Length of Stay in Stroke Rehabilitation in Turkey

Ozyemisci-Taskiran O, Gunendi Z, Aknar O, Karatas GK, Sepici V. Revisiting length of stay in stroke rehabilitation in Turkey.ObjectiveTo investigate the parameters influencing length of stay (LOS) in stroke rehabilitation in Turkey.DesignRetrospective study.SettingRehabilitation ward in a university hospital, a referral center in the capital of Turkey.ParticipantsConsecutive inpatient stroke survivors (N=142) after ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events rehabilitated in a university rehabilitation center between January 2005 and October 2009.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasureThe primary study outcome measurement is LOS on the rehabilitation ward.ResultsLOS was best predicted by Brunnstrom's motor recovery stages (BMRS) lower extremity on admission, BMRS hand on admission, and the presence of infections (LOS in days = 70.6 – 5 × BMRS lower extremity – 3.2 × BMRS hand + 10.3 × presence of infections [infection; present=2, absent=1]; R2=.37).ConclusionsMotor impairments and infections were the parameters that most affected LOS in stroke rehabilitation. Prevention strategies for infections should be pursued more aggressively. The prevention of infections, which is an essential component of a patient's general well-being, also shortened LOS in stroke rehabilitation. High medical costs urge LOS to shorten in the developing countries hereafter. A national rehabilitation policy should be implemented to reach the same functional outcome with shorter LOS in stroke patients.