# 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.

## Key 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.