Evaluation of Day Hospital Program in the National Rehabilitation Hospital

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Day hospital program for the brain injured patients has been developed and conducted as a model project in the National Rehabilitation Hospital of Korea since August 1998. This article is to present our 1-year experience and evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of the program. METHOD: All patients treated in day hospital from August 1998 to July 1999 were included. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), ESCROW (Environment, Social support, Cluster of family members, Resources, Outlook, Work or School status), Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed at admission and discharge. Patient satisfaction was surveyed at discharge. Program cost was compared with that of inpatient control group. RESULTS: 1) Among 51 subjects (32 males, 19 females, mean age 57), 48 suffered stroke and 2 had traumatic brain injury. Average length of stay was 10 weeks and 45 patients (88.2%) were discharged to home. 2) FIM total score, motor subtotal score and cognitive subtotal score were all incresed significantly (p<0.01). 3) ESCROW score was also improved significantly (p<0.01). 4) SF-36 showed significant improvement in physical functioning, role limitation-emotional, mental health and general health (p<0.05). 5) 95.1% answered satisfaction with the program and 73.2% reported health enhancement. 6) Program costs were significantly lower than the inpatient group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Day hospital seems to be a useful program for comprehensive rehabilitation for the brain injured, and needs to be pervaded throughout the country with proper payment.