[Effect of a weekend leave program in patients admitted to an acquired brain injury rehabilitation unit]

To evaluate the effect of a weekend leave program (WLP) on functional recovery and discharge destination in adult patients with acquired brain injury (ABI).

A retrospective observational cohort study including adult patients with ABI admitted to a functional recovery unit between April 2022 and June 2024. The sample was divided according to participation in the WLP. The main outcome variables were functional improvement, measured by the difference in Barthel Index (BI) and Trunk Control Test (TCT) scores between admission and discharge, and institutionalization at discharge.

Of the 858 patients initially assessed, 238 met the inclusion criteria. Patients who participated in the WLP were significantly younger, had lower ABI severity, longer daily hospital stays, higher baseline BI scores, and a more favorable social environment. In the univariable analysis, participation in the WLP was associated with a higher BI score at discharge, greater functional gain, and lower institutionalization at discharge. In the multivariable analysis, adjusted for relevant clinical and social variables, the WLP was independently associated with a higher BI score at discharge (β=9.94; P<.001) and greater functional gain during hospitalization (β=8.43; P=.004). No significant associations were observed between WLP participation and TCT outcomes. The association between WLP participation and lower institutionalization at discharge showed a non-significant trend (OR=0.21; P=.059).

Participation in the WLP is independently associated with better functional recovery in patients with ABI. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its influence on institutionalization at discharge.