Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated multidisciplinary interventions for adult patients with a diagnosis of stroke living in the community (at home) after hospitalisation or in-patient rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes of interest were activities of daily living, social participation and quality of life. Multidisciplinary interventions were defined as care provided by two or more different care professionals working together as or supported by a team. Trials were excluded if the primary aim was to reduce the length of stay in hospital.
The mean age of patients ranged from 56.8 to 79 years. Interventions included assessment with or without follow-up care, rehabilitation and education. The organisation, disciplines involved, duration and intensity of interventions varied widely between trials. Where reported, most interventions began immediately after discharge home from hospital; one began within 18 months post-stroke. Most trials did not report the type and severity of stroke. Most control groups were usual care (definition varied between trials); one trial used a non-intensive home-based rehabilitation control. Outcome assessment instruments varied between trials. Trials were conducted in North America and Europe (including seven in UK).
Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion. Disagreements were resolved through discussion or recourse to a third reviewer.