Ronald Lee Kirby MD , Kim Parker MASc , Alistair Lloyd Maksym BEng , Suzanne Patricia Frances Salsman MD , Christopher John Theriault BEng , Bahareh Yavarizadeh PhD , Fitsum Hadgu Woldeyohannes MSc
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives
To test the hypotheses that wheelchair-provision time (WPT) (from when a loaner wheelchair was ordered to when the wheelchair arrived at the hospital site) has a significant relationship with length of stay (LOS) and total cost of hospitalization (COH).
Design
Cohort study.
Setting
Hospital inpatient units.
Participants
Hospital inpatients (N=97).
Intervention
Order for loaner wheelchair placed during their admissions.
Main Outcome Measures
Demographic, clinical, and process data from 4 available databases, from which we derived WPT, LOS, and COH. To test the hypotheses, we used Spearman correlation coefficients, negative binomial regression for LOS (n=90), and linear regression for COH (n=69).
Results
The median values for WPT, LOS, and total COH were 3.8 days, 51.0 days, and $43,062 Canadian dollars. Multivariable regression revealed that WPT was associated to a statistically significant extent with LOS (P=.0049) (a 18% increase in LOS for each additional day in WPT), but not with COH. However, LOS was associated to a statistically significant extent with COH (P<.0001). The Spearman correlation between LOS and COH was 0.8915 (P<.0001).
Conclusions
Statistically significant associations exist between WPT and LOS and between LOS and COH. Although this study does not establish causality and further research is needed, our findings suggest that more rapid provision of loaner wheelchairs to hospital inpatients could have a positive effect on the health care system.
期刊介绍:
The Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation publishes original, peer-reviewed research and clinical reports on important trends and developments in physical medicine and rehabilitation and related fields. This international journal brings researchers and clinicians authoritative information on the therapeutic utilization of physical, behavioral and pharmaceutical agents in providing comprehensive care for individuals with chronic illness and disabilities.
Archives began publication in 1920, publishes monthly, and is the official journal of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Its papers are cited more often than any other rehabilitation journal.