This VA/DoD Stroke Rehabilitation guideline update builds on the 1996 VA Stroke/Lower Extremity Amputee Algorithms Guide and the 2003 VA/DoD Guideline for the Management of Stroke Rehabilitation in the Primary Care Setting. The 2003 version of this guideline focused on stroke rehabilitation, utilizing a team model of intervention and interactions with patients and families (caregivers & support systems).
Algorithms:
This guideline has been developed using an algorithmic approach to guide the clinician in determining care and the sequencing of interventions on a patient-specific basis. The clinical algorithm incorporates the information presented in the guideline in a format that maximally facilitates clinical decision-making. The use of the algorithmic format was chosen because such a format improves data collection, facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, and facilitates changes in patterns of resource use. However, these guidelines should not prevent providers from using their own clinical expertise in the care of an individual patient. Guideline recommendations are intended to support clinical decision-making and should never replace sound clinical judgment.
The VA developed an algorithm for the Stroke/Lower Extremity Amputee Algorithms Guide (1996), and the results of implementation of this guideline demonstrated the utility of the algorithm, as well as the feasibility of implementing a standard algorithm of rehabilitation care in a large healthcare system (Bates & Stineman, 2000).
The algorithm of the 2003 version of the guideline was modified to emphasize early decision-making regarding discharge to home/community. The key decisions in early stages of the assessment and management of a patient recovering from stroke include assessment of rehabilitation needs and the appropriateness of providing these interventions in both community and outpatient rehabilitation settings.
The interventions module on this 2010 update has been reorganized, and the recommendations are formulated to address possible impairment regardless of care setting.
Target Population:
This guideline applies to adult patients (18 years or older) with post-stroke functional disability who may require rehabilitation in the VHA or DoD healthcare system.
Audiences:
The guideline is relevant to all healthcare professionals providing or directing treatment services to patients recovering from a stroke in any healthcare setting (primary care, specialty care, and long-term care) and in