Healthcare utilization after stroke in Canada- a population based study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Healthcare Services Research

Background:

• Increasing numbers of stroke survivors experience functional limitations, placing greater demands on families and healthcare systems.
• This study aimed to quantify healthcare service utilization among stroke survivors compared to the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the frequency of healthcare professional visits between stroke survivors and individuals without a history of stroke.
• To identify specific healthcare professionals most frequently accessed by stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, population-based survey using the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey.
• Negative binomial regression analysis was employed to compare healthcare utilization rates, adjusting for demographic and health factors.
• Healthcare utilization was assessed via computer-assisted personal interviews regarding visits in the past 12 months.

Main Results:

• Stroke survivors demonstrated significantly higher utilization of healthcare professionals, including family doctors (IRR 1.6), nurses (IRR 3.0), physiotherapists (IRR 1.8), and psychologists (IRR 4.0).
• Visits to dental practitioners were less frequent among stroke survivors (IRR 0.7).
• Mood/anxiety disorders, but not cardiometabolic conditions, increased the likelihood of visiting a family doctor or social worker/counselor in stroke survivors.

Conclusions:

• Stroke survivors access healthcare services more frequently than non-survivors, especially for professionals managing post-stroke issues.
• Mobility impairments and mood/anxiety disorders are significant post-stroke effects necessitating targeted healthcare.
• Ensuring adequate access to stroke-specific healthcare services is crucial for improving functional recovery and potentially lowering long-term healthcare expenditures.