The study aims to examine the effect of early supported discharge (ESD) service on the functional outcomes and quality of life of acute stroke patients with mild to moderate disability in Korea.

The study is a double-armed prospective multi-centered, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of ESD program with conventional rehabilitation program.

Early Supported Discharge (ESD) is a form of medical service applicable to acute stroke patients with mild to moderate disabilities. ESD service was developed to facilitate patient to their daily livings at home, reduce the length of stay in the hospital with possibly better or equivalent outcomes for patients and caregivers.

ESD service has been proven to be non-inferior in the functional and quality of life measures as well as cost-effective, compared to the conventional rehabilitation service in many countries, however the effectiveness of ESD service may differ among countries and medical, economical circumstances. This study aims to examine the effect of ESD service on the acute stroke patients with mild to moderate disabilities in Korea and demonstrate its feasibility as an alternative medical service option to those patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient who is over 20 years old
• Patient who had acute stroke and admitted to hospital (excludes TIA)
• Patient who will be discharged to home within 30 days after onset
• Patient who has indwelling caregiver and is able to support in ESD program
• Patient who's initial mRS is 1-3
• Patient who's initial FAC is 3 or above
• Patient who's initial K-NIHSS consciousness scores (1a,1b,1c) are all 0

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient who had Transient Ischemic Attack
• Patient who is medically unstable requiring intense treatment
• Patient who has indwelling urinary catheter
• Patient who is unable to intake food by mouth
• Patient who is initial MMSE is below 15
• Patient who has uncontrolled pain
• Patient who has psychobehavioral problems

The assessors are blinded to the patients' group