A good prediction model of length of stay for stroke patients in rehabilitation ward can be used as the basis of reimbursement for stroke rehabilitation in global budget and case payment system .
645 patient?s data from a rehabilitation ward in a Medical Center of mid-Taiwan were used retrospectively to create a prediction model , based on Cox?s proportional hazard model . The model requires information about patient?s demographic variables and functional independence ability which was evaluated by Functional Independence Measure and Modified Barthel Index .We also discuss the risk factors affecting the length of stay.
We conclude that Cox?s proportional hazard model is easy to implement and interpret ,using various statistical package , and is efficient in the terms of shorter confidence intervals. The model can also be used to facilitate management of rehabilitation units ,set goal for length of stay and discharge planning .
Key Word: stroke, rehabilitation therapy , length of stay , length of stay efficiency, Functional Independence Measure(FIM) , Modified Barthel Index(MBI), Cox?s proportional hazard model
