Time use of stroke patients in an intensive rehabilitation unit: a comparison between a Belgian and a Swiss setting |
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| Authors: | W de Weerdt B Selz G Nuyens F Staes D Swinnen A van de Winckel |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Leuven, Belgium;2. Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatric Medicine, Burgerspital, Solothurn, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | Purpose : Functional improvement after stroke has been related to the intensity of treatment. The present study was set up to observe how stroke patients spend their time in a rehabilitation unit. Method : Behavioural mapping was performed throughout a full working day in a Belgian and Swiss stroke unit. Results : Patients were most frequently involved in therapeutic activities, 28% of the day in Belgium and 45% in Switzerland. Physiotherapy accounted for the majority of the therapy time. The Belgian patients spent 27% of the day in their own room and Swiss patients 49% of the day. The most striking finding was that the Swiss patients spent nearly 1.5 hours per day more in therapy. Conclusions : Differences between the two settings could only partially be explained by more favourable patient-staff ratios in the Swiss setting. Autonomous practice, group therapy sessions and family involvement have to also be considered. |
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| Keywords: | Day hospitals Stroke Rehabilitation |
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