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Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2011 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2011.35.6.798 · Published: December 1, 2011

Spinal Cord InjuryRehabilitationPublic Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines the length of hospital stays for patients with spinal cord injuries in Korea and the factors that might influence these stays. The research found that the average hospital stay for these patients was longer compared to those in other countries. It also revealed that traffic accidents as a cause of injury and the time period when patients were discharged (specifically, in the 2000s) were associated with longer hospital stays. Interestingly, factors such as the severity of the spinal cord injury or the ability to walk did not significantly affect how long patients stayed in the hospital, suggesting that other socio-psychological elements play a more critical role.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
277 patients with spinal cord injury
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    The mean LOS of domestic patients with SCI was longer than the values reported in foreign studies, with an average of 13.5 months.
  • 2
    Patients injured in traffic accidents had significantly longer hospital stays and were admitted to a larger number of hospitals compared to those with other causes of injury.
  • 3
    Patients discharged in the 2000s experienced longer hospital stays and were admitted to a greater number of hospitals than those discharged in earlier decades.

Research Summary

This study aimed to provide current statistics on the length of hospital stay (LOS) and the number of hospitals admitted to (NHA) for spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in Korea and to identify related demographic characteristics. The research found that the mean LOS for Korean SCI patients was longer compared to foreign studies. Traffic accidents as the cause of injury and discharge in the 2000s were associated with longer LOS and more hospital admissions. The study suggests that socio-psychological factors may play a more significant role in determining LOS than medical or functional status, highlighting the need for improved rehabilitation and welfare support.

Practical Implications

Improve Rehabilitation Services

Focus on establishing comprehensive rehabilitation services in local communities to support SCI patients' reintegration into society.

Address Socio-Psychological Factors

Provide psychological support, peer consultation, and self-assistance associations to improve patients' self-esteem and coping mechanisms.

Enhance Welfare Infrastructure

Implement subsidy programs for disabled transportation and house remodeling to improve patient mobility and independence.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The survey was distributed only to members of certain disability associations, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
  • 2
    The study did not analyze factors such as the presence of complications during hospital stay and history of surgical intervention.
  • 3
    The research did not investigate the medical expense payment mode.

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