The purpose of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic factors influencing patient discharge destination and the length of their hospital stay. We investigated 83 consecutive stroke patients admitted to our rehabilitation ward between January 1 and December 31, 2008. The mean age was 68.1 years old, the mean length of stay was 86.1 days, and 57% were men. The outcome for this study was the patient discharge destination, defined as home or a nursing home type of facility. To examine the predictors of the discharge destination, we collected data including patient age, sex, total Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores at discharge, ‘living alone’, ‘over 65 years old’, ‘requiring public assistance’, and ‘having a family member at home who requires nursing care’. In all, 69 patients were able to return home, and 14 patients were discharged to a nursing home type of facility. The home group showed a higher total FIM score (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that two factors, ‘living alone’ and ‘having a family member at home who requires nursing care’, adversely affected patient discharge to home. Also, the length of stay was longer among those patients who required public assistance (p<0.01). This study suggests that it is harder for patients to be discharged back to their homes who have these factors : ‘having a family member at home who requires nursing care’ and ‘living alone’. Additionally, having the patient characteristic of ‘requiring public assistance’ could prolong the length of hospital stay.

View full abstract

Paralytic condition is a kind of respiratory impairment, which mainly features global alveolar hypoventilation. This condition comprises spinal cord disorders and motor unit diseases, and may also include patients undergoing sedation. Although patients with paralytic and obstructive conditions are both candidates for comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation, the approach used to treat either condition differs considerably. Patients with paralytic condition often lose their inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. They need physical medicine respiratory aids, and they should be managed to maintain lung and chest wall compliance, cough ability sufficient enough to clear secretions, and ventilation. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and related aids are widespread in the treatment of these conditions. Appropriate use of these methods is very important in order to prolong and maintain quality of life. Impairment of bulbar function and intelligence, and disease progression should also be considered in rehabilitation for such individuals. Although establishing a system for the rehabilitation team is important, the present conditions locally are insufficient to provide this care. Several clinical guidelines have been published to spread information on the methods to treat patients. We are planning to develop new guidelines that include the necessary care required for paralytic condition patients, thereby hoping to spread this rehabilitation system.

View full abstract

The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011. As a representative of a local earthquake relief headquarters, I report what we have done in the stricken area following the Great East Japan Earthquake for the three months afterwards. As a result of this report, I strongly recommend the establishment of a “Disaster Rehabilitation” and “Disaster Acute Rehabilitation Team (DART)” as well as creating a “Disaster Rehabilitation Manual or Guideline” in order to pass the knowledge learned through our experience on to future generations and to be able to respond to any forthcoming disaster quickly and efficiently.

View full abstract