Patterns of utilization, disposition, and length of stay among stroke patients in a community hospital setting.

This retrospective descriptive study of stroke patients in a community hospital examined the relationship of discharge disposition and length of stay to sociodemographic variables and use of hospital services. Age-related patterns emerged. Younger patients were more ambulatory, more frequently discharged to home or rehabilitation units, and used more diagnostic services. Older patients were discharged more frequently to nursing homes and used more social services. Next to level of clinical impairment at discharge, age and admission from home had the greatest effect on whether a patient was discharged to their home. Clinical conditions and the need to await placement in a rehabilitation facility or nursing home correlated with longer lengths of stay.