A trial of team care in the treatment of acute stroke /

A study was conducted to determine the effects of interdisciplinary team care on acute hospitalized stroke patients. After obtaining baseline process and outcome information on 42 stroke victims who received traditional care in a general hospital, 130 stroke patients were stratified and randomly assigned to a Traditional or a Team care group. Assessments by independent evaluators, permitted comparisons between Team and Traditional groups with reference to patient survival, motor and functional abilities. Data obtained from charts and treatment logs allowed the care process across groups to be compared. Results demonstrated that Team and Traditional patients fared similarly in survival and motor performance but Team patients achieved significantly better functional outcomes. As well more Team patients received rehabilitation services and these were provided earlier in the hospital stay. Team input was considered to be a contributing factor in promoting superior functional performance among Team patients