Autonomy Outcomes Measured with Barthel Index in Patients with Ischaemic Stroke during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Acute stroke is the 3rd cause of mortality, the 1st in disability in the adult population, studies focused on the subacute stroke phase are less frequent, and those that focus on longer-term evolution are rare. Aim: To determine the functional repercussion in patients with ischemic stroke during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative and retrospective study with a sample of 674 patients with acute ischaemic stroke that were selected. The outcomes were measured with Barthel index. Results: The distribution in the moderate and severe degrees has been higher for the year 2020, in the independent and mild degrees it has been higher in the years 2019 and 2021, for the degree of total dependence it has been higher in the years 2019 and 2021. No significant correlation was found between age and the result of the Barthel scale or between the year in which the stroke occurred and the result of the Barthel scale. Conclusion: No relationship is seen between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and worsening of functionality. The structural changes during the pandemic and the reduction in personnel have not affected the diagnosis and involvement of ischemic stroke. The effort of the staff, to maintain adequate care, has been decisive in the functional results of the patients.