Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Functional Outcomes and Disposition After Liver Transplant

Abstract

Objective: To describe the outcomes (change in functional independence and discharge disposition) of patients who after liver transplantation received acute inpatient rehabilitation in a freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital within 6 months of undergoing liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2018. Change in function from rehabilitation admission to discharge was measured using FIM Change and FIM Efficiency.

Setting: A freestanding rehabilitation hospital.

Participants: 107 patients who underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation at a freestanding rehabilitation hospital within 6 months after liver transplantation who met inclusion criteria (N=107). Most were men (71.96%), and the mean age of the patient population was 62.15 years.

Interventions: Acute inpatient rehabilitation consisting of at least 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week split between physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services.

Main outcome measure: FIM Change, FIM Efficiency, Discharge Disposition.

Results: Participants were found to have statistically significant positive FIM Change (P<.00001) and FIM Efficiency (P<.00001). The mean FIM Change and Efficiency were 35.7±11.8 and 2.4±1.0, respectively. 83.2% (n = 89) were ultimately discharged to the community.

Conclusion: Acute inpatient rehabilitation provides patients who have received a liver transplant with the opportunity to measurably improve their function and independence, with most patients being able to return home.