Rehabilitation of cerebrovascular disorder (stroke): early discharge and support: a critical appraisal of the literature

Weir R P
Record ID 31999009152
English
Authors' objectives:

The primary objectives of this review were:

1. To critically evaluate the effectiveness of early discharge and community support in the management of patients following a stroke.

2. Through evaluation of objective one, evaluate methods of coordinating services that encompass primary and secondary care management of patients following a stroke.

Authors' recommendations: There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest that early discharge from hospital after a stroke confers any advantage in terms of effectiveness or cost effectiveness compared with conventional care. A well designed study based in a New Zealand setting using appropriate methodology is required in order to provide further evidence for a change in current management practices of stroke patients in New Zealand. A range of services should be maintained for the management of patients following a stroke. Home-based services do have a role to play in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Current evidence supported the use of domiciliary occupational therapy in patients following a stroke. However, further research assessing domiciliary occupational therapy in a randomised-controlled trial with the observer blinded to the patient's group would provide more robust data. There was some evidence suggesting community support programmes reduced caregiver anxiety but further research is required to examine this issue in depth.
Authors' methods: Systematic review
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 1999
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: New Zealand
MeSH Terms
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders
  • Home Care Services
  • Rehabilitation
Contact
Organisation Name: New Zealand Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. Tel: +64 3 364 1145; Fax: +64 3 364 1152;
Contact Name: nzhta@chmeds.ac.nz
Contact Email: nzhta@chmeds.ac.nz
Copyright: New Zealand Health Technology Assessment
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.