The influence of age on length of stay,functional independence and discharge destination of rehabilitation inpatients in Italy

Advanced age in itself does not predict a poor functional outcome or a longer length of stay in rehabilitation units. Seven hundred and sixty-four adult cases were analysed, from 14 post-acute rehabilitation facilities throughout Italy. Data came from the national database run by the agency distributing the Italian version of an internationally validated scale of disability, the FIM©^sm (Functional Independence Measure). The FIM is an 18-item scale rating independence in the domains of selfcare, sphincter control, mobility, locomotion, communication and social cognition. The total FIM score may range from 18 to 126 (higher score = greater independence). Patients were classified with respect to the cut-off age of 75 years (76+ and 75?, mean age 82 and 57 years, n = 203 and 561, 27% and 73% of the cases, respectively). The median interval between onset of disability and admission to the facility (onset-to- admission delay, OAD) was 36 and 45 days in the 76+ and the 75? group, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean admission FIM score was 70 (±28) in the 76+ and 71 (±27) in the 75? group. Discharge FIM scores were 84±29 and 93±26, respectively (p < 0001). Median length of stay (LOS) was 34 days in the 76+ and 41 days in the 75? group, respectively (p < 0.005). The 76+ and 75? groups were discharged home in 86% and 90% of the cases, respectively (p = 0.053). The results suggest that inpatient rehabilitation is substantially effective and efficient for older as well as for younger patients.