Stroke patient outcomes: does an integrated delivery model of care make a difference?

In the era of managed care and cost containment, inpatient facilities are challenged to reduce length of stay (LOS) while maintaining positive outcomes for patients. This study tested the impact of an integrated delivery model of care for stroke patients at a free-standing rehabilitation hospital in Honolulu. Data from 1,239 stroke patients treated from April 1994 through March 1998 were analyzed to explore the relative effects of change in care and patient characteristics on LOS and functional gain. Results suggest that good patient outcomes were maintained while LOS decreased over the 4 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]