[Feasibility of a geriatric multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program-lessons learned]

To describe the feasibility of a geriatric multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program, developed in Vivium Naarderheem.

A prospective pilot study using a pretest-posttest design with measurements of the level of (social) participation, health related quality of life, and caregiver strain at the start (T0) and the end (T1) of the program. Feasibility was studied by structured interviews with participants, professionals and management.

We included 18 patients, fifteen of which were admitted after stroke. The program was highly appreciated by patients. Management and professionals thought that factors of influence on the program were transportation of patients, adequate planning and deployment of staff, and adequate financing. The program was regarded feasible. Although some patients reported a higher level of participation, the only statistically significant finding was a deterioration in self-perceived health.

In this study most of the patients participated after stroke. The geriatric multidisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation program, following inpatient geriatric rehabilitation, was highly appreciated by patients, and considered feasible by management and professionals.