Health service management study for stroke: a randomized controlled trial to evaluate two models of stroke care.

BackgroundThe most effective and efficient model for providing organized stroke care remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effect of two models in a randomized controlled trial.MethodsPatients with acute stroke were randomized on day one of admission to combined, co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care or traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care. Outcomes measured at baseline and 90 days post-discharge included functional independence measure, length of hospital stay, and functional independence measure efficiency (change in functional independence measure score ÷ total length of hospital stay).ResultsAmong 41 patients randomized, 20 were allocated co-located acute/rehabilitation stroke care and 21 traditionally separated acute/rehabilitation stroke care. Baseline measurements showed no significant difference. There was no significant difference in functional independence measure scores between the two groups at discharge and again at 90 days postdischarge (co-located acut...