The Present Condition and Problem of the Grading Guide for Disability after Stroke

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to analyze the problems and to suggest the methods for improvement of the current Disability Grading Guide (hereinafter called CDGG) for the disabled after stroke when compared with the previous Disability Grading Guide (hereinafter called PDGG). METHOD: Thirty-five registered disabled persons after stroke were evaluated by two physiatrists to assess the grades of disability according to CDGG and PDGG, which were in use. The evaluations of disabled persons for the grading were done by the physiatrists through house-visit and at the hospital according to CDGG (hereinafter called CDGG-visit and CDGG-OPD) and PDGG (hereinafter called PDGG-grade). These reevaluated disability grades were compared with the initial disability grades recorded in their disability registries. RESULTS: There was a low level of agreement between the registered grade and the re-evaluated grades; however, there has shown a high level of agreement amongst the re-evaluated grades. The degree in the registered grade was evaluated upward compared to the degree in other reevaluated grades. CONCLUSION: The difference degree between CDGG and PDGG of established was insignificant; however, a new candidate who wants to be evaluated using CDGG has possibilities of facing unfairness when compared to the disabled people with relatively higher registered degrees.