Timing of inpatient rehabilitation initiation in stroke patients: factors influencing early admission

[Purpose] Early admission to inpatient rehabilitation is critical for reducing post-stroke disability. Assessing admission timing and other trends in inpatient rehabilitation are essential for improving health outcomes. This study is the first to evaluate the timing of admission of stroke patients to inpatient rehabilitation in Turkey. [Subjects and Methods] We retrospectively analyzed acute stroke survivors who were admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation program in the Ministry of Health, Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital between January 2009 and December 2010. [Results] The mean onset of inpatient rehabilitation was 9.8 ± 6.7 weeks post-stroke in the entire cohort. Occurrence of ischemic stroke and undergoing acute stroke care at a teaching hospital were most strongly associated with early admission. These results did not change after multivariate analysis. [Conclusion] Turkish stroke survivors begin inpatient rehabilitation later than patients in other countries. The type of stroke and type of hospital in which the patient undergoes acute stroke treatment affects early admission.