Process of physiotherapy services of stroke patients treated at Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda: A four-year document review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy plays a major role in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke. The process of physiotherapy management could influence the patient outcomes. AIM: This study aimed to describe the process of physiotherapy for patients with stroke treated at Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda, as documented in patients' folders. METHOD: A quantitative retrospective design was used to review the medical records of stroke patients admitted to Ruhengeri Hospital from January 1st, 2005 up to December 31st, 2008. RESULTS: Two hundred and four patients with stroke were treated at Ruhengeri Hospital within the 4-year period, but only 139 patients (68%) were included in the analysis of the findings. The mean age of the study population was 56.3 years, and 53.2% were females compared to 46.8% males. Out of the 139 patients, only 55 (39.6%) received physiotherapy, and the majority (76.3%) started to receive physiotherapy within one week of their admission. The mean number of physiotherapy sessions for the patients was found to be four. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the patients with stroke admitted to Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda received physiotherapy. Of those who received physiotherapy the frequency is low. There is therefore a need for physiotherapists working at this hospital to review their management of patients with stroke in an attempt to provide an increased frequency of treatment to more patients.