Background/objectives: There is a notable lack of evidence regarding the long-term effects of rehabilitation services, particularly concerning functional recovery and daily living activities of patients following discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. This study aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living of patients after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward and the association between the use of rehabilitation services and clinical outcomes.
Methods: Patients discharged from Japanese convalescent rehabilitation wards in August 2021 were included. They were classified into two groups (rehabilitation and nonrehabilitation services use) based on whether they used rehabilitation services (outpatient rehabilitation, older adult day care, or home-based rehabilitation) after discharge. The primary outcomes, including the Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment scores at 6 months after discharge, were analyzed by multivariate analysis.
Results: A total of 293 patients (median age: 75 years; 148 females) were included in the analysis. The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with the Barthel Index (partial regression coefficient [B]: 7.224; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.760, 12.688]), functional independence measure (B: 2.659; 95% CI: [0.194, 5.125]), Frenchay Activities Index (B: 2.351; 95% CI: [0.5088, 4.192]), and life-space assessment at 6 months after discharge (B: 8.226, 95% CI: [3.902, 12.550]).
Conclusions: The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with patients' Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward. This study emphasizes crucial role of postdischarge interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Keywords: Barthel index; home-based rehabilitation; life-space assessment.