Post-acute stroke patient outcomes in Ontario, Canada complex continuing care settings.

PURPOSE In this study, Outcomes are described for patients receiving 'slow stream' rehabilitation care (called low tolerance long duration rehabilitation in Ontario, Canada consisting of approximately 5  h of rehabilitation weekly) for patients recovering from stroke in Ontario complex continuing care (CCC) (chronic) healthcare settings. METHOD In 2006-2007, 81 post-acute stroke patients recovering in six Ontario, Canada CCC settings were studied. Both primary and secondary data sources were used to calculate six clinical characteristics of study patients and three outcomes: patient satisfaction with care, discharge location, and length of CCC stay. In addition, descriptive statistics, tests of difference were employed to examine differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes for patients across facilities. RESULTS Mean patient age was 74 years, 59% were females, 51% were married, and 34.6% lived alone prior to hospitalization. Patient data on six clinical characteristics is described. Almost half of patients were discharged to independent or semi-independent living. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 112.8 days. Mean scores for patient-reported satisfaction with care were 71 (out of 100). There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes across facilities. CONCLUSIONS Slower paced and less intensive rehabilitation was successful in transitioning the majority of patients to independent living or to a healthcare setting providing less intensive care. Opportunities exist to promote increased patient satisfaction with care.