Hospitalizations and Costs After Ischemic Stroke in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Jaime Caro, Kristen Migliaccio-Walle, Khajak J. Ishak, Irina Proskorovsky, Judith A. O'Brien
Primary Institution: Caro Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the rates and costs of hospitalizations following an ischemic stroke in Canada?
Conclusion
Stroke survivors experience frequent hospitalizations that lead to significant costs, especially in the first year after the event.
Supporting Evidence
- 72.7% of patients were hospitalized at least once during a mean follow-up of 4.6 years.
- Hospitalizations accounted for CAD $24 million in the first year alone.
- 36% of patients were identified by a hospitalized stroke.
Takeaway
People who have a stroke often need to go back to the hospital a lot, which can be very expensive, especially in the first year.
Methodology
The study analyzed hospitalization rates using administrative data from 18,695 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke in Saskatchewan, Canada, over a follow-up period from 1990 to 2000.
Potential Biases
Potential coding errors in identifying transient ischemic attacks and other conditions may affect the results.
Limitations
The study relies on administrative data, which may have inaccuracies in coding and lacks clinical information such as lab results.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 70.5 years, with 48% male and a majority having one or more cardiovascular risk factors.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 30.3%–42.4%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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