Combinations of Independent Motor Functional Independence Measure Items Associated With Home Discharge in Stroke Patients in Post-acute Rehabilitation Wards: An UpSet Plot Analysis

Objectives Home discharge is a crucial goal for stroke patients in convalescent rehabilitation wards. While previous studies have identified relationships between Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and home discharge outcomes using conventional statistical methods, these analyses have limitations in visualizing combinations of independent FIM items. This study aimed to identify combinations of independent motor FIM items associated with home discharge in stroke patients using UpSet plots. Methods We analyzed 205 stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward between April 2018 and March 2021. Independence in motor FIM items was defined as a score of 6 or higher. We used UpSet plots to visualize combinations of independent motor FIM items at discharge and identified major combinations (occurring in >7% of cases) in the home discharge group. Results Among 136 patients discharged to home, four major combinations of independent motor FIM items were identified: independence in all 13 items (22 patients, or 16.2%), independence in 12 items excluding stairs (18 patients, or 13.2%), independence in 10 items excluding bathing, tub transfer, and stairs (14 patients, or 10.3%), and dependence in all items (11 patients, or 8.1%). These combinations accounted for 47.8% of home discharge cases. Conclusions The visual analysis using UpSet plots revealed that, while higher levels of activities of daily living (ADL) independence increased the likelihood of home discharge, complete independence was not required. Dependence on specific items, such as bathing, tub transfer, and stairs, could be compensated through care services and environmental modifications. These findings provide practical insights for developing rehabilitation strategies and discharge planning.