Many inpatients may not be physically prepared for community ambulation on discharge from a publicly funded rehabilitation centre: a cross-sectional cohort study

Purpose: We assessed the ability of patients discharging home from inpatient rehabilitation to meet criteria for community ambulation. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study design. Participants were assessed, within 48-hours of discharge on their ability to: ascend/descend three steps, walk at a speed of 0.44 m/s, ascend/descend a slope, ascend/descend a kerb, and walk 315 m continuously. Demographic data were collected from medical records. Multiple logistic regression determined factors predictive of meeting criteria. Results: Of 200 participants (mean 73 years, 66% women, mixed diagnosis), 64 (32%) met all criteria. The least commonly met criteria were walking 315 m continuously (37%) and ascending/descending steps (70%). Participants who were female (OR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12-0.61), with a high comorbidity index (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.56-0.91) or a traumatic orthopaedic diagnosis (OR: 0.22, 95%CI: 0.05-0.96) were less likely to meet all criteria. Participants with a higher admission functional independence walk item score (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.05-1.78) or higher ambulatory self-confidence (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04) were more likely to meet all criteria. Conclusions: Approximately, one-third of inpatients discharged home from a publicly funded rehabilitation centre met the community ambulation criteria, suggesting many may not be physically prepared to participate in their community.

Automated summary

The study found that only about one-third of inpatients discharged home from a publicly funded rehabilitation center met the criteria for community ambulation, with walking 315 meters continuously and ascending/descending steps being the least commonly met criteria. Female patients, those with a high comorbidity index, or a traumatic orthopaedic diagnosis were less likely to meet all criteria, while patients with a higher admission functional independence walk item score or higher ambulatory self-confidence were more likely to meet all criteria.