A recent study challenges the assumption that increased hospital rehabilitation directly translates to quicker returns home for patients. Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals that patients receiving more extensive therapy during their hospital stay are, in fact, more likely to transition to skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation centers.
The study, led by Dr. Anil Makam of UC San Francisco and Dr. Danh Nguyen of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, examined the impact of varying levels of hospital rehabilitation. Their findings indicate that for the vast majority of patients, more than 14 hours of weekly therapy did not significantly reduce the time spent in post-acute care settings.
“Our research suggests that while rehabilitation is crucial, simply increasing the volume of therapy during hospitalization doesn’t necessarily lead to faster discharges,” stated Dr. Makam. “Instead, it often results in patients requiring further care in specialized facilities.”
This research is particularly relevant for older adults, who frequently benefit from physical and occupational therapy to regain or maintain functionality after surgery or illness. Hospitals typically provide these services, but the study highlights that the intensity of in-hospital therapy doesn’t always correlate with a direct return home.
Brain Frailty and Stroke Rehabilitation
In a related development, a study published in Cureus explored the link between brain frailty and physical function in stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation. The research, involving 160 older adults, assessed brain frailty and activities of daily living at discharge from rehabilitation centers.
The study found a direct correlation between brain frailty scores and functional independence. Participants with higher brain frailty scores exhibited lower functional independence at discharge.
“Understanding a patient’s brain frailty could be a valuable tool for predicting their rehabilitation outcomes,” the Cureus study concluded. “This insight could help tailor rehabilitation programs to individual needs, potentially improving patient recovery.”
Key Statistics:
- Majority Transition: The Journal of General Internal Medicine study found that a majority of patients receiving high volumes of hospital rehabilitation were transferred to skilled nursing or inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
- Brain Frailty Impact: The Cureus study showed a direct correlation between higher brain frailty scores and lower functional independence scores in stroke rehabilitation patients.
These studies underscore the complexity of rehabilitation outcomes and emphasize the need for a nuanced approach to patient care, considering factors beyond just the volume of therapy provided.