Abstract T P119: Challenges Associated with Access to Stroke Rehabilitation for Patients with Cognitive Impairment in Toronto

Abstract

Background: Cognitive Impairment (CI) affects up to 60% of stroke survivors and is associated with poorer recovery and decreased function. Toronto clinicians report limited access to inpatient rehabilitation for stroke patients with CI. Purpose: To inform system planning that aligns with best practice for stroke patients with CI, the Toronto Stroke Networks examined: 1) access to inpatient rehabilitation services for stroke patients with CI; 2) facility differences with respect to referral decisions; and 3) the frequency of documented standardized cognitive screening (SCS) in inpatient rehabilitation referrals. Methods: Data were abstracted from the E-Stroke Rehab Referral System for fiscal years 2012-2014. Initial high intensity rehabilitation (HIR) referrals for 5 rehabilitation facilities in Toronto were analyzed to examine: percentage of referrals accepted, declined, and declined due to CI, and percentage of referrals reporting SCS in referral documentation. These data were further stratified by facility. A survey of cognitive rehabilitation was completed across 6 rehabilitation facilities. Results: There are no cognitive rehabilitation services that cater specifically to stroke patients reported in Toronto. Of the total number of HIR referrals (n=5005), 68.3% of initial referrals were accepted and 18.2% declined. Of the declined referrals (n=910), 17.5% were declined due to CI with variability across the 5 rehabilitation facilities ranging from 0.6 to 46.5%. Further, when examining referrals that were pending a decision or declined due to CI (n=508), 78.5% (range 48-100%) of these referrals across, 10 referring acute care facilities, had no documented SCS. Conclusions: Stroke patients with CI do not have adequate or consistent access to stroke rehabilitation across sites within Toronto. Additionally, there is a lack of documented SCS in rehabilitation referrals, which could impact access to rehabilitation. This work will further inform educational initiatives that support increased access to inpatient rehabilitation for persons with stroke and CI.