Article

Objective: To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial
of occupational therapy predischarge home visits for people after stroke. Design:
Randomized controlled trial and cohort study. We randomized eligible patients for
whom there was clinical uncertainty about the need to conduct a home visit to a
randomized controlled trial; patients for whom a visit was judged 'essential'
were enrolled into a cohort study. Setting: Stroke rehabilitation unit of
teaching hospital. Participants: One hundred and twenty-six participants
hospitalized following recent stroke. Interventions: Predischarge home visit or
structured, hospital-based interview. Main outcome measures: The primary
objective was to collect information on the feasibility of a randomized
controlled trial, including eligibility, control intervention and outcome
assessments. The primary outcome measure was the Nottingham Extended Activities
of Daily Living Scale at one month after discharge from hospital. Secondary
outcomes included mood, quality of life and costs at one week and one month
following discharge. Results: Ninety-three people were allocated to the
randomized controlled trial; 47 were randomized to intervention and 46 to
control. Thirty-three were enrolled into the cohort study. More people were
allocated to the randomized controlled trial as the study progressed. One hundred
and thirteen people (90%) received the proposed intervention, although there was
a need for stricter protocol adherence. Follow-up was good: at one month 114
(90%) were assessed. There were no significant differences between the groups in
the randomized controlled trial for the primary outcome measure at one month. The
average cost of a home visit was pound208. Conclusion: A trial is feasible and
warranted given the resource implications of predischarge occupational therapy
home visits.

Langue : ANGLAIS