Korean Stroke Cohort for functioning and rehabilitation (KOSCO): study rationale and protocol of a multi-centre prospective cohort study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0293-5
• Publication Date: 2015-03-24T00:27:27Z
• Authors: Won Hyuk Chang; Min Kyun Sohn; Jongmin Lee; Deog Young Kim; Sam-Gyu Lee; Yong-Il Shin; Gyung-Jae Oh; Yang-Soo Lee; Min Cheol Joo; Eun Young Han; Yun-Hee Kim
• Keywords: Male; Health Status; Clinical Neurology; 610; Burden; Cohort Studies; Study Protocol; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Recurrence; 616; Activities of Daily Living; Republic of Korea; Humans; Stroke/psychology; Prospective Studies; Function; Mortality; Quality of Life*; Disability; Rehabilitation; Neurological Rehabilitation; Recovery of Function; Health Services; 3. Good health; Stroke; Caregivers/psychology*; Health Status*; Neurological Rehabilitation/statistics & numerical data; Caregivers; Disease Progression; Quality of Life; Female; Stroke/physiopathology*; Health Services/utilization; Follow-Up Studies

Development of a long-term stroke care plan requires serial assessment of long-term patient function and consideration of caregiver mood. However, to date, few comprehensive cohort studies have included both stroke patients and caregivers.KOSCO is a large, multi-centre prospective cohort study for all acute first-ever stroke patients admitted to participating hospitals in nine distinct areas of Korea. This study is designed as a 10-year, longitudinal follow-up investigating the residual disabilities, activity limitations, and quality of life issues arising in patients suffering from first-ever stroke. The main objectives of this study are to identify the factors that influence residual disability and long-term quality of life. The secondary objectives of this study are to determine the risk of mortality and recurrent vascular events in patients with acute first-ever stroke. We will investigate longitudinal health behaviors and patterns of healthcare utilization, including stroke rehabilitation care. We will also investigate the long-term health status, mood, and quality of life in stroke patient caregivers. In addition, we will identify baseline and ongoing characteristics that are associated with our secondary outcomes.KOSCO is a prospective, multi-centre, 10-year longitudinal follow-up study investigating the residual disabilities, activity limitations, and quality of life issues arising in patients suffering from first-ever stroke.