Access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil (AReA study): multicenter study protocol

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Brazil.
• The majority of Brazilians depend on public healthcare.
• Data on post-stroke rehabilitation access in Brazil is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively assess access to rehabilitation after stroke discharge from Brazilian public hospitals.
• To gather data on rehabilitation services up to six months post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• The study involves 612 participants across 17 public health centers in 16 Brazilian cities.
• Inclusion criteria include adults (≥18 years) with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke admitted to public hospitals.
• Data collection utilizes standardized questionnaires on rehabilitation referrals, program details, and patient preferences.

Main Results:

• The study is currently ongoing, with recruitment initiated in January 2020 and concluding in June 2022.
• Data collection focuses on rehabilitation access and utilization within the Brazilian public healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• The Access to Rehabilitation After discharge from public hospitals in Brazil (AReA) study aims to address critical knowledge gaps.
• Findings will inform strategies to improve stroke rehabilitation services nationwide.