• Majority of patients received one out of four rehabilitation programmes
• Less therapy time than recommended in national guidelines
• Gaps in Australian protocols regarding primary care for patients who suffered a CVA

The amount of therapy which Australian patients who suffered a cardiovascular accident (CVA) receive varies greatly, and partially depends on the rehabilitation programme. They have the largest chance of improving their functional status if they rehabilitate in a clinical setting, but the majority receive less therapy than recommended in national guidelines. This is concluded by researchers who analysed the data of 504 patients who suffered a CVA in Queensland. Out of all patients, 337 cases received further treatment in an allied healthcare setting (physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy) within the first six months following acute care.