Application of a WeChat-Based Multidisciplinary Team Care Program for the Management of Patients After Ischemic...

This study aimed to investigate the effects of WeChat-based multidisciplinary team care (WMDT) in patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke who received WMDT care (N = 89) or routine care (N = 102) were consecutively included in this prospective cohort study. The modified Rankin scale (mRS), Barthel index, EuroQol Five-Dimensions 3-Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and patient satisfaction were evaluated at weeks 0 (at discharge), 4, and 8. The mRS score (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.060) and percentage of patients with an mRS score > 2 (19.8% vs. 29.5%, p = 0.131) both tended to be lower in the WMDT care group than in the routine care group at week 8. The Barthel index was significantly greater (62.6 ± 13.9 vs. 57.2 ± 13.5, p = 0.009), but the EQ-5D-3L score was significantly lower (7.9 ± 1.6 vs. 8.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.022) in the WMDT care group than in the routine care group at week 8. In addition, the overall satisfaction rate was significantly greater in the WMDT care group than in the routine care group (83.7% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.036). WMDT care demonstrates potential benefits in functional recovery and significantly improves quality of life and patient satisfaction in patients with ischemic stroke.