Early mobilization in patients with stroke: first audit in stroke rehabilitation and physiotherapy in clínica alemana temuco, Chile

Abstract

Stroke is the most common specific cause of death in Chile since 2008, representing roughly 10% of total deaths in the country. There is strong evidence that organized, interprofessional stroke care not only reduces mortality rates and the likelihood of institutional care and long-term disability, but also enhances recovery and increases independence in activities of daily living(ADLs). To determine the proportion of patients with stroke who were evaluated and treated by physiotherapy in Clínica Alemana Temuco (CAT) from October 2017 to September 2018. We analyzed every stroke patient that should have their rehabilitation needs assessed within 24–48 hours of admission by members of the interdisciplinary team, using a complexity-based model for categorizing rehabilitation (CMCR). Of total 80 patients, 41 patients were males (51.3%).Mean length of hospital stay was 10.5 days (1-70).76.3% (n:61) had the NIHSS written on the medical record, mean NIHSS was 5.5 (0-25). 82.0% (n:45) had less than 9 points. 81.3% (n:65) had an ischemic stroke. 73.8%(n:59) were evaluated by physiotherapy in the first 24 hours and 98.8%(n:79) in the first 48 hours Early mobilization in patients with stroke is a golden rule. This is our first audit for stroke rehabilitation and physiotherapy. Our center has a good adherence to the evaluation by physiotherapy. We must improve our NIHSS records, which are only performed by stroke specialists and not by other physicians.