Stroke unit care is superior to general rehabilitation unit care.

Robust evidence exists for the efficacy of stroke units in improving stroke outcome. To date no Irish and little international data exist comparing stroke unit and general rehabilitation unit care. 207 patients admitted to a stroke unit (136--65.7%) and a general rehabilitation unit (71--34%) in the Mid-Western region from September 2000-August 2002 were included in the study. There was no difference in patient age, gender or admission criteria between the units. The stroke unit was associated with a shorter length of stay (mean 21 versus 33 days, p < 0.01) and a higher rate of home discharge (50% versus 38%, p < 0.01). Patient survival at discharge (86% versus 70.4%, p < 0.01), 3 months (84.5% versus. 69.5%, p < 0.01) and 6 months (81% versus. 66%, p < 0.01) post-admission was better among stroke unit patients.