Predictors of patient length of stay post stroke rehabilitation

There is little research on length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients post stroke in South African rehabilitation facilities. As LOS is an important indicator of cost-of-care, this information may be useful to all stakeholders.

To determine the predictors of hospital LOS in patients post stroke rehabilitation.

A retrospective file review of 243 patients.

Patient functional ability was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Predictors of LOS were determined with multiple regression analysis. The median admission and discharge FIM scores were 43 (range: 16-119) and 75 (range: 16-120) points respectively. The median LOS was 43 (range: 3-112) days. Predictors of LOS were premorbid psychiatric conditions, impaired speech, requiring oxygen support, the development of pneumonia and admission FIM motor score, with admission FIM motor score being the strongest individual predictor of LOS (41%).

Admission FIM score had an influence on patient outcomes and LOS. Patients with higher admission FIM motor scores may be able to participate in rehabilitation better and thus have shorter LOS. Being able to predict LOS on admission allows facility administrators to manage bed occupancy, human and clinical resources in post stroke rehabilitation.