Goal achievement in the six months after inpatient rehabilitation for stroke

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.

A prospective exploratory follow up study.

A consecutive sample of 45 participants discharged from IP rehabilitation following stroke and 23 carers associated with the participants.

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.

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.

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.