Age-Related Disparities in the Quality of Stroke Care and Outcomes in Rehabilitation Hospitals: The Australian National Audit.

Abstract Introduction Stroke affects all ages. Despite increased incidence in those Objectives To investigate management and outcomes, comparing younger ( Methods Multicentre, cross-sectional study using data from Australian hospitals who participated in the Stroke Foundation national stroke rehabilitation audit (2016-2018). Chi-square tests compared characteristics and care by age. Multivariable regression models were used to compare outcomes by age (e.g. length of stay). Models were adjusted for sex, stroke type and severity factors. Results 7,165 audited cases from 127 hospitals; 23% Conclusions Age-related differences exist in characteristics, management and outcomes for inpatients with stroke accessing rehabilitation in Australia.