Acta neurologica Scandinavica
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Nov 2006
Total direct cost, length of hospital stay, institutional discharges and their determinants from rehabilitation settings in stroke patients.
Length of hospital stay (LOHS) is the largest determinant of direct cost for stroke care. Institutional discharges (acute care and nursing homes) from rehabilitation settings add to the direct cost. It is important to identify potentially preventable medical and non-medical reasons determining LOHS and institutional discharges to reduce the direct cost of stroke care. ⋯ Length of hospital stay and discharges to institutions from rehabilitation settings are significantly determined by medical complications. Importance of adhering to clinical pathway/protocol for stroke care is further discussed.