An Investigation of the Outcomes of Stroke Patients in the Community: is it Possible to Recovery Well after Golden Rehabilitation Period

Abstract

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Taiwan and is the main cause of disability globally [1]. Chiou stated that the disability of patients with stroke is about 60% after one month, and about 50-55% for 3~6 months after stroke [2]. Yang, et al, address most of the stroke people whose aged 65 and over are cared for at home, but the frequency of rehabilitation care for these elderly is the lowest. Community-based care is another way to look after stroke patients in long-term condition. Currently, little is known about community clinic care of stroke patients when the patients returned home from the hospital. The purpose of this study is to analyze the patient data of a community clinic to understand the outcome of the care of stroke patients. A retrospective study which reviewed the stroke patients’ charts in a community clinic was adopted. Data were collected from 2011 to 2016. 389 patients’ data were showed in this study. The result showed that the improvement of stroke patients in the upper limbs and lower limbs is the most significant, and its progress can reach nearly 75~80%. Moreover, the slurred speech of this group can be improved by about 20%. Although the symptoms of drooling and choking were also improved, the progress is about 10~15%. This result indicates that the community clinic care may be another way to facilitate the progress of stroke patients after transition from the hospital to the home.