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The average cost per patient was$27 000 Canadian and strokes in men cost less than in women($23 000 versus$32 000 Canadian)for a total cost of$8 million Canadian over two years.More women died than men(34%versus 17%,P<. 02),mainly from systemic complications of stroke,but because women stayed hospitalized longer,they cost more in the long term.The major factor determining cost was social support,and more men than women went home or to rehabilitation units.Family support was greater for men(82%)than women (39%,P<.0002).Significant cost reductions are more likely to be achieved by altering discharge policies and improving social conditions for early return to the home than by reducing laboratory or medical personnel costs. |
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