| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial ‐ but unclear whether study was blinded. Computer randomisation (in blocks of 10). |
| Participants |
152 patients with all types of stroke resulting in limitation of activities of daily living and required rehabilitation ‐ CP group 76, control 76. Excluded patients with severe premorbid physical or cognitive disability. No patient dropped out or crossed over. |
| Interventions |
TREATMENT GROUP: case managed care using an integrated care pathway; multidisciplinary care with rehabilitation and discharge planning, pre‐defined therapeutic activities, short‐term goals and time projections. There were weekly multidisciplinary team meetings. CONTROL GROUP: multidisciplinary care with weekly multidisciplinary team meetings. |
| Outcomes |
Mean LOS (days): CP=50+/‐19 vs Control=45+/‐23. Mortality at 6 months: CP=10/76 vs Control=6/76. Discharged home: CP=56/76 vs 54/76. Institutionalisation: CP=10/76 vs Control=16/76. Dead or dependent (mRS>2): CP=55/76 vs Control=50/76. Median Euroqol at 6 months: CP=63 vs Control=72. Controls performed better in the EuroQol domain for social functioning (p=0.014), but CP patients performed better in the EuroQol domain for self‐care (p=0.041). No difference in Barthel index, Rankin score, anxiety score, or depression score at 6 months, or duration of physio and OT input. No difference in patient or caregiver satisfaction. No improvement in process of care except documentation of: 1) certain aspects of neurological and nutritional assessments; and 2) notification to GP regarding patient's discharge. |
| Notes |
Stroke rehabilitation. Both groups similar in characteristics. Compliance with ICP good (>80% prescribed interventions completed by all disciplines) but many medical and nursing interventions were delayed; incomplete documentation in 14% of records. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
