Authors (including presenting author) :
Ng PK (1), Chan PWP (1), Lam CMD (1), Cheung WL (1), Cheung TYJ (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, TMH
Introduction :
Stroke is often considered as an aging disease. Yet, according to the Stroke Research and Prevention Group of HKU Medicine (2022), the local incidence of young stroke has increased by 30% from 2001 to 2021. Day Rehabilitation Management (DRM) has filled the service gap for limited resources designated for young age neuro-rehabilitation. Occupational Therapy service in DRM of Tuen Mun Hospital has adopted a collaboration rehabilitation training service model to achieve a seamless training program for young stroke patients from hospital to community.
Objectives :
To review the rehabilitative outcomes of young stroke patients in a collaboration service model in DRM.
Methodology :
Stroke patients aged below 65 discharged from DRM from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021 were recruited. Outcome measures included functional status, upper limb and cognitive function.
Result & Outcome :
In the review period, 42 stroke patients were discharged from DRM after receiving 11.5 sessions on average. The mean age was 50.5 and 73.8% were male. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and adapted Lawton IADL were adopted to measure changes in functional status, while Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, Action Research Arm Test and 9-Hole Peg Test were to measure upper limb function and Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment was to measure cognitive function. Significant improvements were found in all outcome measures (p<0.05 with mean MBI from 90.9 to 95.0; adapted Lawton from 12.7 to 16.4). Amongst the 42 stroke patients, 34 (81.0%) were working before stroke. With collaboration service model with work and OPD team, communication among different teams was enhanced and early OPD appointment could be arranged when urgent needs were identified. Fifteen (44.1%) of them continued rehabilitation service in OT OPD (6 to work rehabilitation; 9 to medical OPD). Four (11.8%) were bridged to Community Rehabilitation Day Centre and three (8.8%) were referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation and Retraining Centre for job exploration. Eleven (32.4%) could directly resume their previous work after receiving DRM training (average 10.5 sessions in 5.43 weeks).
CONCLUSION: The findings showed promising rehabilitative outcomes for OT service in DRM under collaboration rehabilitation training service model. Our small steps can lead to success in identifying patients’ need and support young stroke survivors to resume their work roles.
