RESULTS Studies of task-related training showed benefits for functional outcome compared with traditional therapies .
Active use of task-oriented training with stroke survivors will lead to improvements in functional outcomes and overall health-related quality of life .
CONCLUSION Generally , task-oriented rehabilitation proved to be more effective .
Many interventions are feasible for nurses and can be performed in a ward or at home .
AIM This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice .
BACKGROUND Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of adult disability in the Western world .
The use of neurodevelopmental treatment in the daily nursing care of stroke survivors does not improve clinical outcomes .
Nurses are therefore exploring other forms of rehabilitation intervention , including task-oriented rehabilitation .
Despite the growing number of studies showing evidence on task-oriented interventions , recommendations for daily nursing practice are lacking .
Use of Time by Stroke Patients: A Comparison of Four European Rehabilitation Centers
Background and Purpose — Differences exist between European countries in the proportion of patients who die or become dependent after stroke . The aim of the present study was to identify differences in the use of time  by stroke patients in 4 rehabilitation centers in 4 European countries . Methods — In each of the 4 centers , 60 r and omly selected stroke patients were observed at 10-minute intervals using behavioral mapping . Observations took place on 30 weekdays selected at r and om , on equal numbers of morning , afternoon , and evening sessions . A logistic generalized estimating equation model with correction for differences in case mix and multiple testing was used for the analysis . Results — Overall time available from different professions was the highest in the United Kingdom , but patients in the United Kingdom spent on average only 1 hour per day in therapy . This was significantly less than patients in Belgium and Germany , who spent ≈2 hours , and patients in Switzerl and who spent ≈3 hours per day in therapy . In all centers , patients spent less than half their time in interactions and > 72 % of the time in nontherapeutic activities . Conclusions — Important differences in the use of time were established , which appeared dependent on management decisions rather than the number of staff available . Patients in the Swiss and German centers spent more time in therapy , possibly because of the structured organization of rehabilitation . Further studies will verify whether this has an effect on outcome
RESULTS Studies of task-related training showed benefits for functional outcome compared with traditional therapies .
Active use of task-oriented training with stroke survivors will lead to improvements in functional outcomes and overall health-related quality of life .
CONCLUSION Generally , task-oriented rehabilitation proved to be more effective .
Many interventions are feasible for nurses and can be performed in a ward or at home .
AIM This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice .
BACKGROUND Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of adult disability in the Western world .
The use of neurodevelopmental treatment in the daily nursing care of stroke survivors does not improve clinical outcomes .
Nurses are therefore exploring other forms of rehabilitation intervention , including task-oriented rehabilitation .
Despite the growing number of studies showing evidence on task-oriented interventions , recommendations for daily nursing practice are lacking .