Goal achievement in the six months after inpatient rehabilitation for stroke.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the project was to identify characteristics associated with successful re-integration into the community post-inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. A key issue was determining re-integration from the person's perspective, taking into account the person's preferred lifestyle choices. RESEARCH
DESIGN: A prospective exploratory follow up study. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample of 45 participants discharged from IP rehabilitation following stroke and 23 carers associated with the participants. MEASURES: Goal attainment scaling was utilised to determine successful community integration. Factors that may have contributed to goal achievement were measured prior to discharge and at 6 months post-discharge. Scales used include the Functional Independence Measure, Mini Mental test, the CES-D depression scale and a self-efficacy scale, Strategies Used by People to Promote Health. London Handicap Scale scores and Carer Strain Index were collected at 6 months.
RESULTS: Twenty percent of participants achieved all their goals. Significant correlations were observed between goal achievement score and concurrent measures of physical function, depression and self efficacy at 6 months post-discharge.
CONCLUSIONS: Stroke survivors who achieved their goals were less likely to be depressed, showed stronger self efficacy beliefs and more positive perceptions of their participation in everyday and community life.