Acute care utilisation patterns post-stroke: an analysis from Ireland

Abstract

Background: As part of the StrokeCog research programme, this study built on previous research from the research group by analysing acute care utilisation patterns post-stroke in Ireland, with a specific focus on healthcare utilisation by those with post-stroke cognitive impairment. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the Irish Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) dataset. Bivariate and multivariate statistics were conducted to compare acute care utilisation and discharge destinations (death, home, rehabilitation or nursing home) as well as length of stay (LOS) post-stroke. The implications of cognitive impairment for all of these parameters was also examined. Findings: Findings from previous research from this research group indicated that the mean length of hospital stay for those with stroke in Ireland was 24 days (SD: 47). Those discharged to a nursing home had a considerably longer length of stay (M: 50; SD: 82) compared to those discharged home (M:17; SD 32). In total, fifteen per cent of stroke discharges were discharged to a nursing home. The current study builds on these findings by comparing hospital utilisation and discharge pathways for those with a long LOS with and without post-stroke cognitive impairment. Discussion: The research findings from this analysis will inform the estimation of costs of cognitive impairment post-stroke in Ireland as part of an overall programme of work focussed on developing and delivering effective interventions for post-stroke cognitive impairment.