Synergistic Effects of Family Members as Caregivers after Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke in Jeju: A Cohort Study in Jeju, Korea

Objective All patients with hemorrhagic stroke aspire to recover to their pre-stroke condition. Their initial condition is often poor, but neurological status gradually improves in the absence of postictal complications. After neurosurgical treatment, patients are transferred to a rehabilitation department or an appropriate care facility for active rehabilitation. Subsequently, patients are monitored in the neurosurgical outpatient clinic at the appropriate time, together with their caregivers. During this process, attention was drawn to changes in the modified Rankin Score (mRS) of hemorrhagic stroke patients, and this study focuses on identifying the factors influencing mRS, with a particular emphasis on the role of the caregiver. Methods Data from hemorrhagic stroke patients treated between January 2020 and November 2021 were analyzed. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was assessed at 1 year after stroke onset. Patients whose mRS score improved by 1 point were classified into the “better” group. Patients who transitioned from an mRS score of 4–5 to a score of 0–3, or those with an improvement of 2 or more points in any mRS range, were classified into the “best” group. Various factors influencing these outcomes were investigated, with a particular focus on analyzing the results based on the family member providing caregiving. Results A total of 42 patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) participated in the study. The “better” outcomes were observed in 13 patients, while the “best” outcomes were seen in 11 patients. Most patients who showed improved outcomes received support from family members such as spouses, siblings, or daughters. Notably, when the caregiver role was taken by a daughter, non-independent patients were more likely to regain independence, with mRS scores improving from 4 to 3 or higher or achieving a remarkable improvement of 2 or more points in mRS, leading to the best outcomes. Conclusions Functional recovery is promoted not only by the patients’ own efforts but also through sustained support from their families. Early and intensive rehabilitation constitutes a cornerstone of favorable outcomes, with family involvement emerging as a decisive factor.