PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH HOSPITAL-BASED OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION AFTER STROKE IN SWEDEN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH LIFE SATISFACTION AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: A LONGITUDINAL NATIONAL REGISTER STUDY

TL;DR

This study found that most stroke survivors in Sweden are satisfied with hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation, and this satisfaction is linked to better life satisfaction and quality of life, with some differences based on age and sex.

Contribution

The study identifies associations between patient satisfaction with rehabilitation and long-term outcomes, emphasizing the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies.

Findings

Over 71% of stroke survivors were satisfied with their rehabilitation process upon discharge.

Satisfied patients reported higher life satisfaction and health-related quality of life scores.

Differences in satisfaction effects were observed based on age and sex.

Abstract

To examine stroke survivors’ satisfaction with hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation and its association with life satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and whether sex and age affect possible associations.

A longitudinal national register study.

Data from the Swedish national quality register were used and included 1,068 patients with stroke performing outpatient rehabilitation. Self-reported questionnaires collected on admission, discharge, and at 1-year follow-up were analysed. Regression analyses were used to assess possible associations between patient satisfaction and life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, LiSat-11) and HRQoL (EuroQol Five Dimensions questionnaire, EQ-5D).

Over 71% of the included patients were satisfied with their rehabilitation process on discharge. Satisfied patients also reported higher scores on global LiSat-11 and higher EQ-5D values. Older patients (> 58 years) satisfied with their rehabilitation process were more likely to be satisfied with global LiSat-11. Women dissatisfied with the rehabilitation process had lower EQ-5D values on discharge.

Patient satisfaction with hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation was associated with life satisfaction and HRQoL. Potential differences linked to sex and age support the importance of individually tailored rehabilitation strategies. Evaluating self-reported outcomes and experiences over time is essential for improving long-term recovery and for further development of person-centred stroke rehabilitation.

This study investigated satisfaction with rehabilitation, and how this relates to self-reported life satisfaction and health-related quality of life in 1,068 individuals with stroke in Sweden. Using data from a national quality register, we found that most patients were satisfied with their outpatient rehabilitation in hospital settings, both directly after the rehabilitation period and 1 year later. Those who were satisfied with the rehabilitation also reported better life satisfaction and better health-related quality of life. These relationships somewhat differed depending on sex and age, which highlights the importance of individually tailored outpatient rehabilitation after stroke.

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