OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of functional outcome after acute to sub-acute stroke rehabilitation using raw FIM score and results of stroke rehabilitation in Thailand.

DESIGN

Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed on data collected prospectively from 50 patients who were on stroke rehabilitation at Thai Red Cross Rehabilitation Center from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001. Six independent variables were obtained from patients' medical records.

RESULTS

The total FIM scores at the time of discharge and total FIM scores gain are strongly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of admission to the hospital and correlated negatively with age using multiple linear regression analysis, significant at p < 0.05. The equation for all cases were: (discharge total FIM scores) = 82.856 + 0.708 x (admission total FIM scores) - 0.408 x (age) and (total FIM scores gain) = 82.85 - 0.292 x (admission total FIM scores) - 0.408 x (age). The models explained 76.48% of variation for total FIM scores at the time of discharge and 45.66% of variation for total FIM scores gain. The total FIM scores at the time of admission and age were the best predictors of the total FIM score at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain. However, the nature of stroke, gender, onset to admission interval (OAI), and length of rehabilitation stay (LOS) were not statistically significantly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the total FIM score at the time of discharge and the total FIM scores gain are highly correlated with the total FIM scores at the time of admission and age, we can inform the patient and their family about the possibility of recovery, and assess the amount and quality of care needed at home or placement after discharge.