Continuous combined assessment in rehabilitation of strokes.

Abstract

Treatment of strokes by the method of continuous combined assessment and management is described. It is suggested that stroke patients can only obtain rational and comprehensive assistance when the multiple agencies available use their skills in a multi-disciplinary team situation. A simple scoring system was devised to evaluate the continuous combined assessment and management method of treating a defined group of 454 patients aged 60-85 with strokes. Data on comparative recovery rates in reported series of strokes is confounded by varying criteria for recording disability, evaluating recovery and age patterns. The importance of an internationally acceptable system of scoring disability is emphasised.