Place of residence after a stroke: results of the registration by the Belgian Sentinel Network of general practitioners.

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a major health problem worldwide. The health consequences for the survivors are not to be underestimated. The increased care needs after a stroke result often in a change of residence or an institutionalisation. The aim of the study is to provide an overview in the changes of the place of residence in the first year after stroke.

METHODS

A nationwide observational registration by 199 and 189 family physicians (respectively in 2009 and 2010) working in sentinel practices. All cerebrovascular events that occurred in 2009 and 2010 were recorded. Follow-up was provided 1, 6 and 12 month(s) after the initial registration.

RESULTS

In total 326 patients were diagnosed with a stroke and 87% were hospitalized. At the time of the event 83% of the patients lived at home and one year after the event 80% did (p = 0.366). Older age (p = 0.008), originally living in a nursing home (p = 0.009) and speech problems (p = 0.003) and incontinence (p = 0.017) were the most important determinants for institutionalisation in a nursing home after one year.

CONCLUSION

There is a high proportion of the Belgian stroke survivors that can return home after the initial hospitalization. Mainly older patients with severe disabilities did not return to their home.