Prediction of outcome after stroke: Implications for clinical practice

Purpose: This article reviewed the literature on predictors of outcome after stroke. The outcomes considered were functional status, discharge setting, and quality of life. The implications of these predictors for clinical practice are also considered. Results: Older age, post-stroke depression, initial stroke severity, and poor mental status were shown to be predictors of adverse outcome after stroke. High functional status on admission and the presence of social support were predictors of positive outcomes. Findings regarding hemisphere of stroke and history of previous stroke were inconsistent, and no relationship appeared to exist between gender, comorbidity and stroke outcome. Conclusions: Knowledge of factors predictive of outcome after stroke is important for the optimal planning of post-stroke care. The methodological issues evident in the existing studies must be addressed in order to increase the clinical application and generalization of findings.