Outcomes in two post-acute non-inpatient rehabilitation settings

Although several attempts have been made to look into the "black box" of inpatient rehabilitation, little is known about therapy effectiveness in outpatient settings.

This study described the characteristics of 167 persons with stroke referred to one of two outpatient settings-a comprehensive rehabilitation program or a single modality outpatient clinic within one system of care; the services provided in each setting; and the relationship of patient and therapy characteristics to rehabilitation outcomes.

Differences were found in the characteristics of persons referred to each setting and the amount and intensity of therapy provided. The amount of therapy provided was positively related to initial status (greater need results in more therapy), but better outcomes appeared to be more strongly related to the match between the need and amount of therapy provided than to the amount provided (more therapy does not necessarily result in better outcomes).