Process of physiotherapy services of stroke patients treated at Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda: A four-year document review
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Date
2010
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
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.
Description
Keywords
Physiotherapy, Stroke patients, Ruhengeri Hospital, Rwanda
Citation
Urimubenshi, G. & Rhoda, A. (2010). Process of physiotherapy services of stroke patients treated at Ruhengeri Hospital in Rwanda: A four-year document review. Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 5(1): 27-33