Abstract: In this video, one of the authors of a published research study explains the purpose and findings from the study. The purpose was to identify causes and patterns of hospitalizations and the types of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who used the most services, over a 10-year period after the onset of SCI. It was a population-based study, within the state of South Carolina, with 303 participants who completed a self-report assessment and utilized a hospital within the state. The cost of healthcare utilization was one of the primary outcomes, with total hospital charges for the participants at $49.4 million. Individuals were categorized into high, medium, and low utilizers of health care services. The study found a significant difference in the total costs attributed to those who were in the high versus low utilizer group. The causes of hospitalization were primary diagnoses that included: septicemia; chronic pressure ulcers; urinary tract disorders; and mechanical complications with grafts, devices, or implants. Several participants had multiple secondary health conditions, which influenced their health care utilization. Participants in the high utilizer group were more likely to be male, a minority, have more severe SCI’s, a history of pressure ulcer, and earn less than $35,000 a year. Implications for future research is suggested. Run time: 3 minutes 19 seconds.
NARIC Accession Number: O22424
Author(s): DiPiro, Nicole
Project Number: 90IF0119
Publisher(s): Number, Primary, and Secondary Diagnoses, and Costs of Inpatient Hospitalizations in a Population-Based Cohort of People with Spinal Cord Injury, The Medical University of South Carolina, College of Health Professions, Department of Health Science and Research, 151-B Rutledge Avenue, MSC 962, Charleston, SC, 29425; 843/792-2605
Year Published: 2020
Descriptor Terms: COSTS, HEALTHCARE, HOSPITALS, REHABILITATION, SERVICE DELIVERY