Exploring the use of "Protocollo di Minima per l'Ictus" (PMIC-Minimal Protocol or Stroke) in two Italian rehabilitation units

Aim. This study was designed associated to evaluate applicability of "Protocollo di Minima per l'ictus-PMIC" in Italian rehabilitative units, and to collect preliminary data Methods. The authors evaluated, by means of PMIC, stroke patients admitted to rehabilitative unit of both IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome and Sant'Agostino Estense New Civil Hospital, Baggiovara, Modena for sequelae of their first-ever event. Multiple regression analyses (backward selection) were then performed to identify variables with discharge functional status (Barthel Index [BI] and Functional Ambulation Category [FAC] score) and rehabilitation effectiveness (on BI and FAC), and logistic regression to quantify the probability of reaching a discharge BI score >= 70 and FAC score >= 4. Results. Sample included 94 patients with recent stroke (onset-admission interval 12.68 +/- 16.09 days). Mean time of evaluation for each case was 16.15 +/- 1.43 minutes. Increasing age, sex, degree of basal impairment and disability confirmed to be reliable prognostic factors. Conclusion. Recording data of patients admitted to rehabilitative hospital according to PMIC, is easy, quick and enough exhaustive.