Post-stroke patients: frequency and effectiveness of rehabilitation and speech therapy

Abstract

The study presented here was conducted on post-stroke patients in the years 2014–2017. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire based on single-choice questions, Barthel ADL Index and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). As many as 128 out of 135 respondents (94.8%) were referred for further treatment after initial rehabilitation. Of these, 33.6% did not continue their rehabilitation. Most of the remaining ones chose outpatient (32.9%) or inpatient rehabilitation in a hospital (29.4%). After the second examination of the physical condition of the patients, improvement was noted in those who participated in long-term rehabilitation. This feeling was also declared by the patients themselves. Out of all respondents, 92 people suffered from speech disorders, of which only 21.7% participated in speech therapy, and in this group 90% noticed a significant improvement in verbal communication. A small percentage of patients with aphasia recognize and follow speech therapy recommendations. Patients and their carers should be informed in more detail about the benefits of rehabilitation and speech therapy.