Assessment chart for inpatient rehabilitation following stroke

In order to enable comparison of the post-stroke patient's functional status between different points during the rehabilitation process, an assessment chart was developed; this covered cognitive, basic and integrated functions. The chart was applied by two independent examiners on 36 patients, with a mean age of 60, admitted consecutively for rehabilitation following stroke. The results of the assessment using the chart were compared with those measured with the Kenny Self Evaluation System. There was a positive correlation both between the Kenny System and the developed chart and the two examiners. It is felt that the chart meets the demands of easy applicability, numerical scoring and comprehensiveness. It is sufficiently sensitive to reflect the progress of patients during rehabilitation and enables re-evaluation of initial treatment plans focusing on the needs of the individual patient. The developed chart may serve as a useful tool in the evaluation of stroke inpatients during their rehabilitation.