Rehabilitation (Stuttg) 2001 Dec;40(6):346-351
Bestmann A, Lingnau ML, Staats M,
Hesse S.
Abteilung Neurologische Rehabilitation,
Klinik Berlin, Freie Universitat Berlin.
Summary.
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to
gain a phase specific survey concerning amount, types and costs of technical
aids (TA) in a German neurological rehabilitation centre. Further, a number
of common rehabilitation outcome parameters were to be related to technical
aids provision.
DESIGN:
A prospective study included all
patients (N = 509) with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain tumour
and multiple sclerosis (MS) admitted within a two-year period to the Klinik
Berlin. The TAs prescribed were registered separately for each phase concerning
type, amount and costs. In all, 108 different technical aids were recorded,
and the direct costs for these technical aids were calculated. Outcome
parameters used were the Barthel Index (BI) at admission and discharge,
length of stay, and discharge destination.
RESULTS:
The mean (median) length of stay
in phase B (C) was 76 (56) days with a mean (median) increase of BI score
of 25 (15) points. Patients in phase D staid 35 days (median) at the clinic,
their BI had been 100 points (median) already on admission. 93,3 % of all
patients returned home (phase B and C 78,2 %). On average, patients in
phase B and C received 2 technical aids/person, in phase D the median was
0 technical aid/person. On discharge, patients in phase B had an average
of 3 technical aids/person, phase C patients had 4,5 TA/person and phase
D patients 1 technical aid/person (median). The mean cost of a technical
aid was 670 DM in phase B, 405 DM in phase C, and 290 DM in phase D (median).
CONCLUSION:
Technical aids are important components
in rehabilitation, especially for severely affected patients, who receive
the most expensive technical aids such as wheelchairs and bath tub lifters.
High competence in questions related to technical aids is absolutely indispensable
for any unit dealing with these patients. On the other hand, less affected
patients mostly receive walking aids and grab bars. Future studies should
deal with utilization rates and satisfaction with technical aids at home,
as well as with cost-effectiveness issues.
PMID: 11742425 [PubMed - as supplied
by publisher]