Home and workforce reintegration one year after thrombectomy in acute stroke patients

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) combined with intravenous thrombolysis is the current standard treatment for acute large-vessel occlusion stroke. Beyond clear clinical benefits in the acute and post-acute phases, comprehensive evaluations of long-term outcomes, including home and workforce reintegration, remain limited. This study aimed to assess home and workforce reintegration 1 year post-EVT in a cohort of acute stroke patients and explore their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Patients and methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of 404 patients undergoing EVT at a tertiary university medical center between October 2019 and December 2021. Patients' functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and HRQoL was assessed via the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Scale (EQ-5D). Data on occupational and living status were collected through standardized telephone interviews at 3- and 12-months post-treatment.

Results: Of 357 patients with 12-month follow-up data, 33.6% had a favorable outcome (mRS 0-2). Among stroke survivors, the rate of home reintegration without nursing care was 42.1%, and workforce reintegration among previously employed patients was 43.3% at 12 months. Both outcomes were significantly associated with improved HRQoL. Lower neurological deficits and younger age were predictive of successful home and workforce reintegration.

Discussion and conclusion: One year post-EVT, approximately 40%-50% of acute stroke patients successfully reintegrate into home and work settings. These findings underscore the need for ongoing support tailored to improving long-term reintegration and quality of life for stroke survivors.

Data access statement: The data supporting the findings of the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request and in accordance to European data privacy obligations.