Rehabilitation care for human communication sequelae secondary to cerebrovascular disease

To evaluate the care process in the rehabilitation of patients with sequelae of language, speech and swallowing, secondary to cerebrovascular disease, in a third-level hospital in Mexico.

Retrospective and descriptive study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from 233 records of patients with sequelae of language, speech and swallowing, secondary to cerebrovascular disease, who received therapy. A descriptive analysis was performed; χ² and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess differences before and after therapy. Three indicators were created to evaluate and identify the factors that participated in the rehabilitation process of the patients.

A significant difference was found in the affected structure and level of disability in function, activity and participation categories between the initial and final evaluation. The quality indicators showed the beginning of rehabilitation at 8.9 months, elaboration of the work program in the first two weeks in 90.1% of cases and revaluation by the medical area at 6 effective months of therapy in 81.1%.

The care process shows opportunities for improvement. The most important corresponds to the time that passes for the patient to start rehabilitation. Therapeutic intervention decreases the degree of disability.