Occupational therapy for stroke patients after hospital discharge — a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with the aim of evaluating the influence of continued rehabilitative intervention by an occupational therapist on stroke patients after their discharge from a stroke unit. One hundred and ten patients were recruited and randomly allocated to either an intervention group, who were reviewed regularly by an occupational therapist in addition to receiving normal follow-up services, or a control group who received no special intervention. The two groups were compared at one year poststroke. Although there were few significant differences between the two groups at one year in terms of activities of daily living, extended activities of daily living, mood, and perceived quality of life, the number of aids (toilet aids and stair-rails) received by the intervention group was significantly greater (p = 0.05) and the number of readmissions to hospital was significantly smaller (p = 0.03). The provision of a follow-up service by an occupational therapist benefits stroke patients by addressing any problems they have postdischarge, ensuring they receive all necessary aids and helping to maintain them at home.