[Use of physical therapy and ergotherapy in the day hospital]

The therapeutic possibilities of a day hospital orientated towards active rehabilitation are described. A survey revealed that 11 of the 34 patients were treated with active individual physiotherapy, 8 were attending remedial therapy and 5 regular individual speech therapy. The remaining patients followed physical or occupational therapy in groups. The patients receiving intensive individual procedures were mostly stroke patients with a history of less than two years or patients with chronic joint diseases. The accurate indication for the use of a staff- and time-consuming individual therapy is of great importance both in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Treatment should be programmed for a carefully defined purpose and has to be adjusted continuously to the changing functional status of the patient.