Prediction of long-term functional outcome following different rehabilitation pathways after stroke unit discharge.

The study observed significant differences between included and excluded participants, with included participants being younger and more likely to be alert on admission, which may limit generalizability to more severe cases. Rehabilitation was categorized broadly into home, inpatient, and outpatient settings, without detail on the intensity, duration, or specific content of the therapy received. It is unknown whether the planned rehabilitation was actually delivered or if the plan was re-evaluated during the course of recovery. Stroke severity was assessed using consciousness on admission as a proxy, rather than a standardized scale like the NIHSS. The study could not determine if the associations between rehab setting and outcome were due to the rehabilitation itself or to selection bias, as patients planned for inpatient rehab had more severe strokes and comorbidities.

Do not conclude that inpatient rehabilitation causes worse outcomes. Patients planned for inpatient rehab had more severe strokes, more comorbidities, and were less likely to be alert on admission, meaning the setting likely reflects patient severity rather than the effectiveness of the care provided.