BACKGROUND: Early supported discharge (ESD) with continued rehabilitation at home has shown a beneficial effect on extended activities of daily living 5 years after stroke. The long-term effect of ESD on resource use has not been explored. METHODS: At 5 years, 54 patients with mild to moderate disability, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of ESD, were followed up. Data were collected from a county register and by interviewing the patient or the patient's spouse. RESULTS: There were differences in mean length of hospitalization, 51 versus 32 days (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between the groups in regard to total outpatient rehabilitation, ESD visits included, but there was a difference in where the services were obtained. The ESD group had more rehabilitation at home (ESD service) and the control group had more outpatient rehabilitation (p = 0.04), including physiotherapy in primary care (p = 0.05). There were no other differences. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, 5 years after stroke, our ESD service was favorable with regard to resource use.
Copyright by WB Saunders Company.

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