Kandu Health has announced preliminary outcomes from the first 40 stroke survivors served by its novel stroke recovery programme, which intends to support stroke patients returning to community settings after hospital discharge.
Preliminary data from the first 40 stroke survivors served by the company demonstrate positive disability-related outcomes, as per excellent 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. The data also indicate promising trends for low hospital readmissions and continuity of care for participants.
Clinician-assessed mRS scores were captured at 90 days post-discharge for 95% of Kandu participants. A significant functional improvement was seen over time, with 84% achieving mRS scores of 0–2, indicating an ability to live independently, at 90 days—a meaningful improvement from the 60% of participants who were assessed as functionally independent at the time of enrolment. Nearly half of Kandu enrolees participated on their own, without a care partner.
In addition, the 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission rates for Kandu participants are reported as being 6% and 12%, respectively, which compare favourably to published benchmarks, according to a company press release.
The results also demonstrate that Kandu participants experienced positive continuity of care across a diverse population of enrolees “who reflect the communities most affected by stroke”, the release adds. Some 10% of Kandu’s first 40 enrolees were Medicaid beneficiaries or uninsured at the time of their stroke; more than half were non-white; and 20% had five or more needs related to social determinants of health.
Despite these potential barriers to care, 90% of Kandu enrolees had a neurology follow-up within 90 days. Among the 15% of participants who did not have a primary care physician (PCP) prior to their stroke, Kandu navigators were able to assist 100% in establishing care with a PCP. Additionally, 27% of Kandu participants established care with a mental health provider for the first time.
“These data suggest that providing extended support to patients beyond hospital discharge is critical to their recovery and can improve their chances of functional independence,” said Shlee Song (Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, USA). “As clinicians, we can have a meaningful impact on the post-acute experience for our patients by connecting them with comprehensive support that focuses on mental health, managing impairments and community reintegration. This support can make all the difference for stroke survivors, enabling them to live independently and go grocery shopping, go to the bathroom, manage medications and perform other daily tasks that are important to their quality of life and sense of agency.”
Through its team of expert, clinically licensed navigators, Kandu is working with healthcare institutions to offer extensive tools and resources for optimised stroke recovery and improved patient outcomes, as well as remote community support groups and an easy-to-use app.
