Validity Assessment of Referral Decisions at a VA Health Care System Polytrauma System of Care

The study aimed to assess the validity of referral decisions to the VA Polytrauma System of Care (PSC) and whether the needs of redirected referrals were addressed. The study found that acceptance decisions were valid and without bias, and redirected patients received appropriate alternate resources. The most commonly identified rehabilitation needs for redirected patients were psychological support, mobility/physical therapy, and communication/speech services, with the majority receiving these services elsewhere.

• 1
  Acceptance decisions at VAPAHCS PSC were valid and without bias.
• 2
  Redirected patients had the majority of their needs met through other VA agencies.
• 3
  Significant differences between accepted and redirected patients were noted in gender, military status, geography, and age, but these were deemed appropriate upon further examination.