Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient factors that influence the amount, frequency and
intensity of physical and occupational therapy received by patients each weekday
within 14 days of stroke. DESIGN: Exploration of data from studies conducted to
monitor activity and therapy. PARTICIPANTS: Stroke patients receiving active
treatment (not for palliative care). Physiotherapists and occupational
therapists. RESULTS: Therapy data for 274 patients from 7 hospitals were
included. Patients received a median of 40.0 min of therapy (physiotherapy plus
occupational therapy) per weekday. Multivariable regression found that women had
22% less total therapy per weekday (factor change 0.78, 95% confidence interval
(CI): 0.66-0.9, p = 0.001) and a decreased likelihood of receiving two or more
sessions of therapy per weekday. Those born overseas had 23% less high intensity
therapy per weekday (Factor change 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71-0.84, p < 0.001). Those
with more severe stroke had a greater likelihood of receiving two or more
sessions of therapy per weekday (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.09, p = 0.006) but
increasing severity increased the odds of receiving no high intensity therapy by
7% (factor change 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.11, p = 0.002). Age did not exhibit a
significant association. CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that patient factors
may influence the amount of therapy provided. Physiotherapists and occupational
therapists should be aware of potential biases associated with therapy provision.

Langue : ANGLAIS