Injury profile and healthcare expenditure of cyclists admitted in intensive care units. (13th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papadakaki, M; Gnardellis, C h; Tsalkanis, A; Stamouli, M A; Petelos, E; Morandi, A; Otte, D; Sarris, M; Tzamalouka, G; Chliaoutakis, J
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 29(2019)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2019-11-13
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The current paper is part of the EU-funded REHABILAID Project and aims to describe the profile of cyclists sustaining severe injuries in a road traffic incident as well as the healthcare costs associated with their injury, including hospitalization costs and out-of-pocket expenditure. Methods: Seven public hospitals were involved; Greece=5, Italy=1 and Germany=1. Both the intensive care units (ICU) and sub-intensive care units (as high-dependency areas) were involved. Participants enrolled during a 12-month period starting from April 2013 and were followed for one year from admission date. The study used widely recommended classifications for injury severity (AIS-Update 2008, MAIS). Information on the injury was retrieved upon patients' consent, from medical records while interviews were carried out at months 1, 6, 12 for personal and cost-related information. Health Care Expenditure was assessed through the MUARC's framework. Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) were used to estimate hospitalization costs. Results: 120 subjects enrolled in the study in total and 14 were cyclists(Greece=1, Germany=3, Italy=10). Most of them were men(n = 9, 64.3%), with a mean age of 55.5 years (SD16.3;min 32-max 84). As for the current incidents, the majority occurred at city roads (n = 10;71.4%), straight roads (n = 9;64.3%) and intersections (n = 3;21.4%). Many were single-vehicle (n = 4;28.6%), lateral (n = 4;28.6%) and front-lateral (n = 3;21.4%). Half of the cyclists sustained an injury of MAIS3+ severity (n = 7;50.0%). A major injury was primarily sustained at the lower extremities (n = 10;71.4%), head (n = 7;50.0%), face (5=35.7%) and upper extremities (n = 5;35.7%). The mean total hospitalization cost was 5815, 6(min 209, 00-max 20.647, 00) and the mean direct costs arising from injury was 4.047, 5(min 0, 0-max 24.670, 00). Conclusions: Individual differences need to be taken into account in future injury prevention efforts as well as in attempts to improve healthcare system's response to road victims. Key messages: Systematic collection of data relevant to health condition and economics of the victims is necessary at European level. Personalized rehabilitation plans are necessary to facilitate the recovery process of victims.