Article

This comparative study investigated differences in functional capacity and
functional gains of patients admitted for hospital rehabilitation between 2005
and 2011. Patients were grouped according to broad diagnostic categories:
neurological, orthopedic, and deconditioned. Functional capacity (Functional
Independence Measure (FIM), gait speed) and functional gains were compared
between two 1-year patient cohorts (2005 and 2011) for diagnostic groups. In
2011, more patients were admitted (n = 626 vs. n = 474) with a shorter length of
stay (mean difference 9.72 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.26 to 14.18)
compared to 2005. Functional capacity of patients at admission was worse in 2011
for all measures (P < 0.05). By hospital rehabilitation discharge, no differences
were found between the two cohorts (P > 0.497) except for discharge gait speed;
in 2011, patients walked faster (mean difference 0.58 m/s, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.11).
Higher FIM gain and FIM efficiency was demonstrated in 2011, but differences
between diagnostic groups were evident. Deconditioned patients overall
demonstrated less gain and efficiency (F > 3.623, P < 0.028). In summary,
improved service efficiencies were demonstrated with improved throughput of
patients without compromising functional capacity at hospital rehabilitation
discharge. These efficiencies seem to be gained through neurological and
orthopedic admissions compared to deconditioned admissions.

Langue : ANGLAIS