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OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the effect of a structured, comprehensive nursing intervention on the course of rehabilitation over the first 6 mos after a first-ever stroke. DESIGN: Intervention (experimental) study. The participants were 155 elderly stroke survivors who were admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation department. Stratified random sampling generated intervention and control groups. The intervention was designed to work together with the routine rehabilitation program and consisted of 12 consecutive weekly meetings. The control group received only the routine rehabilitation program. Study variables were measured at entry to study and after 3- and 6-mo intervals. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences between the two groups at entry to study, at 3 and 6 mos after stroke, the intervention group showed better scores than the control group in functional status (FIM instrument), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), self-perceived health, self-esteem, and dietary adherence. CONCLUSION: The nursing intervention had both short- and long-term effects on functional, psychological, and emotional variables. Serious consideration should be given to implementing comprehensive nursing interventions during rehabilitation tailored to meet the specific needs of stroke survivors and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if a tailored nursing intervention, as opposed to usual rehabilitation care, can improve knowledge and behavioral skills for correct use of medication use in aged stroke patients., Design: Stratified random sampling created two homogenous groups: 73 intervention patients, who were provided with the nursing intervention program along with usual rehabilitation care, and 82 controls, who underwent usual rehabilitation care alone. Participants were assessed within the first week of admission to the rehabilitation ward, 3 mos after stroke (at the end of the intervention), and 6 mos after stroke. An assessment instrument measuring correct knowledge and skills concerning medications was used., Results: After 3 and 6 mos, intervention subjects were significantly better than controls in knowledge of shape and dosage of their medications, in knowledge of side effects and correct response to side effects, and in adherence to their dietary regimen. However, for knowledge of color and daily schedule of medications, there were differences at 3 mos, but differences were diminished after 6 mos., Conclusions: This nursing intervention, tailored to the specific needs of the aged stroke patient, increased the patients' knowledge and skills concerning medication therapy, but to a limited extent and for a limited time.