ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although returning to driving is a major concern for many survivors of stroke, predicting who will return to driving after a stroke is often difficult for rehabilitation professionals. The primary aim of this study was to identify patient factors present at admission to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital that can be used to identify which patients who have had acute stroke will and will not return to driving. DESIGN: After comparing returners and nonreturners on demographic and clinical characteristics, a logistic regression model with return to driving as the outcome variable was built using the backward stepwise method. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent (48/156) of the patients who had been driving before their stroke returned to driving 6 mos after stroke. The final regression model, using Functional Independence Measure cognition and lower extremity Motricity Index scores, predicted the driving outcome with an accuracy of 75% (107/143). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower Functional Independence Measure cognition and lower extremity Motricity Index scores at admission to inpatient rehabilitation are less likely to return to driving at 6 mos. This model could be used by rehabilitation professionals to help counsel patients and their families and focus treatment goals.
Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living , Automobile Driving/statistics & numerical data , Stroke Rehabilitation , Stroke/diagnosis , Academic Medical Centers , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Cognition Disorders/rehabilitation , Cohort Studies , Disability Evaluation , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Motor Skills , Patient Discharge , Patient Safety , Predictive Value of Tests , Recovery of Function , Rehabilitation Centers , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Severity of Illness Index , Survivors , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We identified the extent of the need for interventions and assistive technology to prevent computer use problems in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the accommodation strategies they use to alleviate such problems. METHOD: Respondents were recruited through the Scleroderma Foundation. Twenty-seven people with SSc who used a computer and reported difficulty in working completed the Computer Problems Survey. RESULTS: All but 1 of the respondents reported one problem with at least one equipment type. The highest number of respondents reported problems with keyboards (88%) and chairs (85%). More than half reported discomfort in the past month associated with the chair, keyboard, and mouse. Respondents used a variety of accommodation strategies. CONCLUSION: Many respondents experienced problems and discomfort related to computer use. The characteristic symptoms of SSc may contribute to these problems. Occupational therapy interventions for computer use problems in clients with SSc need to be tested.
