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The Nature and Cost of Readmissions after Work-Related Traumatic Spinal Injuries in New South Wales, Australia

Author

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  • Lisa N. Sharwood

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
    Kolling Institute, John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Sydney 2065, Australia)

  • Holger Möller

    (The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2042, Australia)

  • Jesse T. Young

    (Justice Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
    Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria 3052, Australia
    School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Western Australia, Australia
    National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Western Australia, Australia)

  • Bharat Vaikuntam

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
    Kolling Institute, John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Sydney 2065, Australia)

  • Rebecca Q. Ivers

    (The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2042, Australia
    School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia)

  • Tim Driscoll

    (School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia)

  • James W. Middleton

    (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
    Kolling Institute, John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Sydney 2065, Australia
    Agency for Clinical Innovation, Sydney 2067, Australia)

Abstract

This study aimed to measure the subsequent health and health service cost burden of a cohort of workers hospitalised after sustaining work-related traumatic spinal injuries (TSI) across New South Wales, Australia. A record-linkage study (June 2013–June 2016) of hospitalised cases of work-related spinal injury (ICD10-AM code U73.0 or workers compensation) was conducted. Of the 824 individuals injured during this time, 740 had sufficient follow-up data to analyse readmissions ≤90 days post-acute hospital discharge. Individuals with TSI were predominantly male (86.2%), mean age 46.6 years. Around 8% ( n = 61) experienced 119 unplanned readmission episodes within 28 days from discharge, over half with the primary diagnosis being for care involving rehabilitation. Other readmissions involved device complications/infections (7.5%), genitourinary or respiratory infections (10%) or mental health needs (4.3%). The mean ± SD readmission cost was $6946 ± $14,532 per patient. Unplanned readmissions shortly post-discharge for TSI indicate unresolved issues within acute-care, or poor support services organisation in discharge planning. This study offers evidence of unmet needs after acute TSI and can assist trauma care-coordinators’ comprehensive assessments of these patients prior to discharge. Improved quantification of the ongoing personal and health service after work-related injury is a vital part of the information needed to improve recovery after major work-related trauma.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa N. Sharwood & Holger Möller & Jesse T. Young & Bharat Vaikuntam & Rebecca Q. Ivers & Tim Driscoll & James W. Middleton, 2019. "The Nature and Cost of Readmissions after Work-Related Traumatic Spinal Injuries in New South Wales, Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-8, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:9:p:1509-:d:226817
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lisa N. Sharwood & Holger Mueller & Rebecca Q. Ivers & Bharat Vaikuntam & Tim Driscoll & James W. Middleton, 2018. "The Epidemiology, Cost, and Occupational Context of Spinal Injuries Sustained While ‘Working for Income’ in NSW: A Record-Linkage Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-9, September.
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