Stroke units improve survival and independence for stroke survivors

March 27, 2003

OTTAWA - Stroke patients who receive care in a stroke unit have a better survival rate and are more likely to be independent and living at home after a stroke, concludes a report released today by the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology.

Stroke rehabilitation offers the opportunity to reduce the burden of disability after a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation services vary widely in terms of intensity of therapy and place of care. The CCOHTA report examines four types of stroke rehabilitation: stroke unit care as compared with care on a general medical ward; the impact of different intensities of rehabilitation; early supported discharge services; and community rehabilitation as compared with usual care.

The CCOHTA report concludes that patients who receive care in a stroke unit are more likely to have better health outcomes than those who receive care on a general ward, at a cost that may be comparable. The report also concludes that early supported discharge services for patients with mild or moderate disability produces greater independence at modestly lower costs compared to usual services. However, no firm conclusions could be drawn regarding the impact of different intensities of rehabilitation, and no significant differences were observed in primary outcomes when home-based rehabilitation and usual care were compared.

There are over 40,000 patients who suffer a stroke in Canada each year; it is the fourth leading cause of mortality. Stroke costs the Canadian economy approximately $2.7 billion each year.

For further information contact Kirk Fergusson: 613 226-2553 ext. 276