Delayed inpatient rehabilitation and functional outcomes for acute stroke: a retrospective cohort study in an Australian regional hospital
Background: The impact of delayed inpatient rehabilitation on the functional outcomes of stroke patients has not been reported in regional Australia. Objective: This study examined the impact of delayed inpatient rehabilitation following acute stroke on functional outcomes (Relative Functional Gain...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Medical Journals Sweden
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://medicaljournalssweden.se/jrm/article/view/42506 |
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| Summary: | Background: The impact of delayed inpatient rehabilitation on the functional outcomes of stroke patients has not been reported in regional Australia.
Objective: This study examined the impact of delayed inpatient rehabilitation following acute stroke on functional outcomes (Relative Functional Gain and Functional Independence Measure efficiency) and length of stay in rehabilitation at a regional Australian hospital.
Methods: Rehabilitation initiated > 24 h after a patient was deemed clinically ready was considered delayed. Associations between delayed inpatient rehabilitation and functional outcomes were investigated with mixed effects linear regression while length of stay was modelled using a negative binomial regression.
Results: Of a total 487 patients, 301 (61.8%) experienced delayed inpatient rehabilitation, with a median delay of 2 days (interquartile range: 1–4 days). Multivariate regressions showed delayed inpatient rehabilitation was negatively associated with Relative Functional Gain (Beta: –0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.11, –0.02, p = 0.009) and Functional Independence Measure efficiency (Beta: –0.18, 95% CI: –0.32, –0.04, p = 0.014), but positively associated with length of stay in rehabilitation wards (incidence rate ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.21, p = 0.021). Bed unavailability was the leading cause of delay.
Conclusion: Delayed inpatient rehabilitation is associated with poorer functional outcomes in stroke patients. Timely access to rehabilitation is crucial for optimising recovery.
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| ISSN: | 1651-2081 |