BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differences exist between European countries in the proportion of patients who die or become dependent after stroke. The aim of the present study was to identify differences in the use of time by stroke patients in 4 rehabilitation centers in 4 European countries. METHODS: In each of the 4 centers, 60 randomly selected stroke patients were observed at 10-minute intervals using behavioral mapping. Observations took place on 30 weekdays selected at random, on equal numbers of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. A logistic generalized estimating equation model with correction for differences in case mix and multiple testing was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Overall time available from different professions was the highest in the United Kingdom, but patients in the United Kingdom spent on average only 1 hour per day in therapy. This was significantly less than patients in Belgium and Germany, who spent approximately 2 hours, and patients in Switzerland who spent approximately 3 hours per day in therapy. In all centers, patients spent less than half their time in interactions and >72% of the time in nontherapeutic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Important differences in the use of time were established, which appeared dependent on management decisions rather than the number of staff available. Patients in the Swiss and German centers spent more time in therapy, possibly because of the structured organization of rehabilitation. Further studies will verify whether this has an effect on outcome.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differences exist between European countries in the proportion of patients who die or become dependent after stroke. The aim of the present study was to identify differences in the use of time by strokepatients in 4 rehabilitation centers in 4 European countries. METHODS: In each of the 4 centers, 60 randomly selected strokepatients were observed at 10-minute intervals using behavioral mapping. Observations took place on 30 weekdays selected at random, on equal numbers of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. A logistic generalized estimating equation model with correction for differences in case mix and multiple testing was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Overall time available from different professions was the highest in the United Kingdom, but patients in the United Kingdom spent on average only 1 hour per day in therapy. This was significantly less than patients in Belgium and Germany, who spent approximately 2 hours, and patients in Switzerland who spent approximately 3 hours per day in therapy. In all centers, patients spent less than half their time in interactions and >72% of the time in nontherapeutic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Important differences in the use of time were established, which appeared dependent on management decisions rather than the number of staff available. Patients in the Swiss and German centers spent more time in therapy, possibly because of the structured organization of rehabilitation. Further studies will verify whether this has an effect on outcome.
Authors: Carol L Richards; Francine Malouin; Sylvie Nadeau; Joyce Fung; Line D'Amours; Claire Perez; Anne Durand Journal: Physiother Can Date: 2018 Impact factor: 1.037
Authors: Ingrid G L van de Port; Lotte Wevers; Hanneke Roelse; Lenneke van Kats; Eline Lindeman; Gert Kwakkel Journal: BMC Neurol Date: 2009-08-13 Impact factor: 2.474
Authors: Aleksi J Sihvonen; Pablo Ripollés; Vera Leo; Jani Saunavaara; Riitta Parkkola; Antoni Rodríguez-Fornells; Seppo Soinila; Teppo Särkämö Journal: eNeuro Date: 2021-06-17