Satisfaction Survey for Regional Clinical Pathway for Stroke Patients in Acute and Rehabilitation Hospitals in Japan

OBJECTIVES: We collected opinions about the use of a stroke-specific regional clinical pathway for facilitating collaboration between acute and rehabilitation hospitals in Japan. METHODS: The study surveys were administered in acute hospitals designated as primary stroke centers and certified by the Japan Stroke Association (n=961) and in rehabilitation hospitals affiliated with the Kaifukuki Rehabilitation Ward Association (n=1237). The survey collected information on interfacility collaboration when caring for patients admitted during the acute phase following non-traumatic stroke from April 2020 to March 2021. We examined the pathway’s usefulness and challenges relative to facility type using the χ(2) test. RESULTS: Of 422 acute hospitals and 223 rehabilitation hospitals that responded to our survey, 259 (62.1%) acute hospitals and 164 (85.4%) rehabilitation hospitals used the pathway. Fewer rehabilitation hospitals than acute hospitals considered that the pathway was useful (52.0% vs. 63.8%, P=0.02). Fewer rehabilitation hospitals did not experience pathway-related problems when compared with acute hospitals (38.0% vs. 55.8%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Personnel at rehabilitation hospitals were less satisfied with the regional clinical care pathway than those in acute hospitals. These results suggest that the current stroke-specific regional clinical pathway could be improved.