Slow Stream Rehabilitation: A New Model of Post-Acute Care

Abstract Objectives To identify characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients admitted to a slow stream, low-intensity, and long-duration inpatient rehabilitation (SSR) program after an acute hospitalization because they were unable to tolerate traditional inpatient rehabilitation. Design Single group pre-post study with assessments conducted on admission and discharge. Setting Baycrest's 30-bed SSR Unit in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants A total of 104 patients older than 60 years admitted between September 2011 and December 2012. Measurements Admission assessments included demographic data, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and ability to ambulate. Discharge outcomes included change in motor and total FIM scores from admission to discharge, discharge residential status, and length of stay. Results Mean age was 81.6 ± 8.4 years and 68.3% were women. Mean changes in motor and total FIM were 21.0 ± 12.2 ( P