Perception of transitional care quality associated with functional outcomes among patients with fractures and stroke in Taiwan.

• A better care transition has a positive impact on stroke patient's IADL improvement. • The need of a better care continuity may differ in different patient subpopulation. • Incorporating fracture patient's preference should be valued by discharge hospital. • Stroke patient should receive self-management and medication information properly. • A readable and understandable care plan is critical to stroke and fracture patient. This study aimed to examine the relationship between self-perceived quality of transitional care and functional outcome among patients with stroke and fractures. The Care Transition Measure (CTM-15) was used to survey patient's self-perceived transitional care quality before discharge. General estimating equations were used to investigate the influences of transitional care quality on patient's functional outcomes at before, 1 week after, and 1 or 3 months after discharge. Among stroke patients, higher CTM-15 scores were positively associated with greater outcome in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) following discharge. Higher scores for "reader-friendly written care plan," "consideration of patient's preferences," and "understanding of health management" had significantly positive effects on functional recovery in IADL among both patient groups following discharge. These findings suggest that heterogeneity in transitional care needs between medical and surgical patients shall not be overlooked. A one-size-fits-all strategy may be insufficient for ensuring patient care continuity following discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]