A Novel Transition Program to Reduce Disability After Stroke

COMPASS: A Novel Transition Program to Reduce Disability After Stroke

This study evaluates a program designed to help individuals transition home from inpatient rehabilitation following an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Half of the participants will receive a stroke education program while the other half will receive an environmental modifications program.

A gap in care exists at the point of transition from inpatient rehabilitation (IR) to home, when survivors encounter new environmental barriers due to the cognitive and sensorimotor sequelae of stroke. Resolving these barriers and improving independence in the community have potential to significantly improve stroke survivors' long-term morbidity. The proposed study investigates the efficacy and safety of a novel enhanced rehabilitation-transition program to reduce environmental barriers and improve daily activity performance and community participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged ≥50 years
• acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke diagnosis
• independent ADLs prior to stroke (premorbid Modified Rankin Scale Score ≤2)
• plan to discharge to home

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe terminal systemic disease that limits life expectancy to < 6 months
• previous disorder (e.g. dementia) that makes interpretation of the self-rated scales difficult or Short Blessed Test (SBT) score of 10 or less (indicating significant cognitive impairment)
• moderate to severe Aphasia as determined by the NIHSS Best Language rating of 2 or more
• reside in congregate living facility.