Variations in Functional Outcome Stratified by Discharge Disposition and Oncological Treatment Groups After Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation for Brain Tumor Patients

Objective: This study evaluated variations in functional outcome for patients participating in a multidisciplinary acute inpatient rehabilitation program specific for brain tumors at a free standing acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively for 45 patients with brain tumors admitted for inpatient rehabilitation from January 1, 2008 to May 1, 2009. Primary outcome measure included Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score on admission and discharge based on discharge disposition and acute oncological treatment group. Data was collected regarding length of stay and general patient demographic information. Results: Patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation while participating in inpatient rehabilitation had the greatest statistically significant gains in FIM, FIM-D, FIM-T, discharge FIM-T, discharge FIM-M, and FIM-E. Patients who discharged to home for continued aggressive treatment had greatest gains in FIM, FIM-D, FIM-T, discharge FIM-T, FIM-M, discharge FIM-M, and FIM-E. Correlation data was also established between several variables. Conclusions: Inpatient rehabilitation stay for brain tumor patients resulted in improvements of FIM score for all disposition and acute oncological treatment groups, though statistically significant differences were noted within groups. Greatest improvements were noted for patients receiving both chemotherapy and radiation therapy and patients who discharged to home for continued aggressive oncological treatment.