Factors contributing to patient satisfaction with rehabilitation following stroke

This study charted changes in patient satisfaction with their rehabilitative progress over time, and examined the relative contributions of several factors to satisfaction. Participants were assessed on admission to and discharge from rehabilitation, and six and 12 months after discharge. The study was undertaken in the rehabilitation unit at Repatriation General Hospital, in Adelaide, South Australia. Participants were 60 12-month stroke survivors who had undergone an inpatient rehabilitation programme. Satisfaction with progress in five areas of function was assessed using a five point rating scale. Functional outcome was assessed with the Australian ADL Index (competence and performance), lifestyle activities with the Frenchay Activities Index, knowledge of stroke with the Stroke Care Information Test, depression with the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, family functioning with the McMaster Family Assessment Device, and patients' expectations of rehabilitation by a qualitative assessment. Satisfaction with progress improved with time, particularly for dressing and washing, but for mobility declined after discharge. Satisfaction with progress was consistently influenced by the return to previous lifestyle activities, depression, family functioning, understanding of stroke, and clarity of expectations on admission to rehabilitation. It is important that the concept of successful rehabilitation acknowledges the perspective of the patient.