http://associacaopaulistamedicina.org.br/assets/uploads/revista-spmj/5806f8c85455ba6901f539e5e9a26c22.pdf

Abstract

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation is insufficient after hospital discharge of individuals with stroke. Objective: The AReA study intends to collect data about access to rehabilitation in different Brazilian regions. Methods: Seventeen public health centers will participate in the study. Each center will include 36 participants (n = 612). Patients with 6 months and less than oneyear post-ictus, age ≥18 years-old, stroke confirmed by CT or MRI and with any neurological impairment after stroke will be included. In each center, researchers will train the team on the application of the Brazilian versions of the Rankin Modified Scale and the NIH Stroke Scale. The survey consists of the following questions: 1. In the first 6 months after discharge from stroke, were you treated by a Physiatrist /Physiotherapist / Speech / Neurologist / Psychologist / Occupational Therapist?; 2. Has a treatment program been established?; 3. Has this program been or is it being carried out?; 4. On discharge, have you been referred to any rehabilitation service?; 5. Did you look for any service on your own?; 6. Did you receive any guidance about stroke?; 7. Considering that rehabilitation would be indicated for its improvement, how would you like it to be carried out (hospitals, centers, home)? Results: At the moment, 13 centers obtained ethical approval, and three of them started data collection (n=55). Conclusion: The results of this project will be relevant to plan strategies for effective rehabilitation within the Unified Health System in Brazil.

Brazilian practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: Part II

“…Access to rehabilitation after stroke in different Brazilian regions has been evaluated by the Access to Rehabilitation after Stroke (AReA) study. 185 Therapies based on new technologies do not always result in clinical benefits and are sometimes accompanied by costs that make them unaffordable for many. Therefore, it is crucial to choose evidence-based rehabilitation interventions suited for our reality.…”