Determinants of return to home after stroke: An analysis based on FIM scores

[Purpose] In order to promote the return to home of stroke patients, a study based on admission an discharge FIM scores was conducted to identify the ADL-related factors influencing the discharge destination. [Subjects] A total of 256 stroke patients (141 males and 115 females) who stayed in hospital for more than a month were considered. Cases of recurrence or complications were excluded. [Methods] The patients' functional status was evaluated on admission and every month until discharge using the FIM scale. Patients discharged to home or care facilities were divided into three groups according to their total motor-FIM scores: good recovery, moderate recovery, or poor recovery. By comparison of admission and discharge FIM scores, the determinants of discharge to home were examined. [Results] In a multivariate logistic regression analysis considering the discharge destination of patients in the poor-recovery group as the response variable, three factors were identified as the determinants: toileting, length of stay, and age. [Conclusion] The results show improvement of toileting, length of stay, and age are the determinants of return to home after stroke. Further studies will be performed from diverse viewpoints such as the background of discharge to home.