Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes After Severe COVID-19 Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and functional outcomes of patients undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation after hospitalization for COVID-19. DESIGN: Using a retrospective chart review, patients were identified who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after COVID-19. Patient information collected included sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, length of stay, discharge disposition, self-care, mobility, and cognitive functioning. These patients were compared with patients (controls) without COVID-19 with similar impairment codes treated at the same facility before the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: There were 43 patients who were admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation hospital after COVID-19 infection and 247 controls. Patients who had COVID-19 were significantly more likely to be African American and to have been admitted to a long-term acute care hospital. They also had a longer length of rehabilitation stay. The groups did not differ by age, sex, or insurance. Functionally, although presenting with significantly worse mobility, self-care, and motor scores, the patients previously infected with COVID-19 had similar functional outcomes at time of discharge to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with a history of COVID-19 had worse function at time of admission to acute rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation significantly improved their function to comparable levels as patients who did not have COVID-19. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME. CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify how characteristics of patients with COVID-19 admitted to acute rehabilitation differ from those with similar admission codes but without COVID-19; (2) Describe changes in functional measures at admission and discharge of COVID-19 patients compared with patients without COVID-19; and (3) Recognize how inpatient rehabilitation may help reduce inequities in outcomes after severe COVID-19 infection. LEVEL: Advanced. ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Epidemiology of patient safety incidents in a long-term rehabilitative hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (April 2011 to March 2016).

BACKGROUND: Patient safety is a key priority of the National Department of Health. Despite the publication of legislation and other measures to address patient safety incidents (PSIs) there are a paucity of studies relating to patient safety at the different levels of hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiology (incidence, nature and root causes) of PSIs at a long-term rehabilitative hospital between April 2011 and March 2016. METHOD: Data were collected through a review and analysis of routinely collected hospital information on patient records and from the PSI register, as well as minutes of adverse health events meetings, quality assurance reports and patient complaints register. RESULTS: A total or 4.12 PSIs per 10 000 inpatient days were reported. Approximately 52% of the adverse health events occurred in females with most of the adverse health events occurring in the 50-59 years category: 96% being reported during the day and 33% within the shift change. Pressure ulcers, falls, injury, hospital acquired infections and medication error were the most commonly reported PSIs. Patient factors were listed as the most common root cause for the PSIs. CONCLUSION: The study shows a low reporting rate of PSIs whilst showing a diverse pattern of PSIs over a period of 5 years. There is a need for active change management in order to establish a blame-free culture and learning environment to improve reporting of PSI. A comprehensive quality improvement intervention addressing patients, their families and staff is essential to minimise PSI and its consequences.

Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19: An Analysis of 27 676 Patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but risk factors, in-hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed the data from 54 health care facilities using the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8163 patients with COVID-19. Among all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6-2.4]; P<0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 199 (1.0%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 19 513 patients without COVID-19. Among all ischemic stroke patients, COVID-19 was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0-1.3]; P=0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with COVID-19 and usually occurs in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased 2-fold with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Not All Discharge Settings Are Created Equal: Thirty-Day Readmission Risk after Elective Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Discharge to nonhome settings after colorectal resection may increase risk of hospital readmission. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of various discharge dispositions on 30-day readmission after adjusting for confounding demographic and clinical factors. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Data were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium (2011-2015). PATIENTS: Adults who underwent elective colorectal resection were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day hospital readmission risk was measured. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population (n = 97,455) was 58 years; half were men and 78% were white. Seventy percent were discharged home routinely (home without service), 24% to home with organized health services, 5% to skilled nursing facility, 1% to rehabilitation facility, and <1% to long-term care hospital. Overall rate of readmission was 12%; 9% from home without service, 16% from home with organized home health services, 19% from skilled nursing facility, 34% from rehabilitation facility, and 22% from long-term care hospital (p < 0.001). Patients with an intensive care unit stay, more postoperative complications, and longer hospitalization stay were more likely to be discharged to home with organized home health services or to a facility (p < 0.001). Discharge to home with organized home health services, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation facility increased multivariable-adjusted readmission risk by 30% (OR = 1.3 (95% CI, 1.3-1.6)), 60% (OR = 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5-1.8)), or 200% (OR = 3.0 (95% CI, 2.5-3.6)). Discharge to long-term care hospital was not associated with higher adjusted readmission risk (OR = 1.2 (95% CI, 0.9-1.6)), despite this group having the highest comorbidity and postoperative complications. Among patients readmitted within 30 days, median time to readmission was significantly different among home without service (n = 7), home with organized home health services (n = 8), skilled nursing facility (n = 8), rehabilitation facility (n = 9), and long-term care hospital (n = 12; p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Discharge to home with organized home health services, skilled nursing facility, or rehabilitation facility, but not long-term care hospital, is associated with increased adjusted risk of readmission compared with routine home discharge. Potential targets to decrease readmission include improving transition of care at discharge, improving quality of care after discharge, and improving facility resources. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B272. NO TODAS LAS CONFIGURACIONES DE ALTA SON IGUALES: RIESGOS DE READMISIÓN A 30 DÍAS DESPUÉS DE CIRUGÍA COLORRECTAL ELECTIVA: El alta hospitalaria hacia el domicilio luego de una resección colorrectal puede aumentar el riesgo de readmisión.Determinar el impacto de varias configuraciones diferentes de alta en la readmisión a 30 días luego de ajustar factores demográficos y clínicos.Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo.Los datos se obtuvieron del Consorcio del Sistema de Salud Universitaria (2011-2015).Todos aquellos adultos que se sometieron a una resección colorrectal electiva.Los riesgos de readmisión hospitalaria a 30 días.La edad media de la población estudiada (n = 97,455) fué de 58 años; la mitad eran hombres y un 78% eran blancos. El 70% fueron dados de alta de manera rutinaria (a domicilio sin servicios complementarios), 24% alta a domicilio con servicios de salud organizados, 5% alta hacia un centro con cuidados de enfermería especializada, 1% alta hacia un centro de rehabilitación y <1% alta hacia un hospital con atención a largo plazo. La tasa global de readmisión fué del 12%; nueve por ciento desde domicilios sin servicios complementarios, 16% desde domicilios con servicios de salud organizados, 19% desde un centro de enfermería especializada, 34% desde el centro de rehabilitación y 22% desde un hospital con atención a largo plazo (p <0.001). Los pacientes con estadías en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con más complicaciones postoperatorias y con una hospitalización prolongada tenían más probabilidades de ser dados de alta hacia un domicilio con servicios de salud organizados o hacia un centro de rehabilitación (p <0,001). El alta hospitalaria con servicios organizados de atención médica domiciliaria, centros de enfermería especializada o centros de rehabilitación aumentaron el riesgo de readmisión ajustada de múltiples variables en un 30% (OR 1.3, IC 95% 1.3-1.6), 60% (OR 1.6, IC 95% 1.5-1.8), o 200% (OR 3.0, IC 95% 2.5-3.6), respectivamente. El alta hospitalaria a largo plazo no fué asociada con un mayor riesgo de readmisión ajustada (OR 1.2, IC 95% 0.9-1.6), no obstante que este grupo fué el que tuvo las mayores comorbilidades y complicaciones postoperatorias. Entre los pacientes readmitidos dentro de los 30 días, la mediana del tiempo hasta el reingreso fue significativamente diferente entre el domicilio sin servicios complementarios (7), domicilio con servicios de salud organizados (8), el centro de cuidados de enfermería especializada (8), centros de rehabilitación (9) y hospitales con atención a largo plazo (12) (p <0,001).Naturaleza retrospectiva del presente estudio.El alta hospitalaria con servicios de salud domiciliarios organizados, hacia centros de enfermería especializada o hacia centros de rehabilitación se asocian con un mayor riesgo ajustado de readmisión en comparación con el alta domiciliaria de rutina y los hospitales con atención a largo plazo. Los objetivos potenciales para disminuir la readmisión incluyen mejorar la transición de la atención al momento del alta, mejorar la calidad de la atención después del alta y mejorar las diferentes facilidades para los pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B272.

[Post-acute and rehabilitation care in young patients with multiple comorbidities: An observational study]. / Soins de suite et réadaptation (SSR) de Médecine Interne pour sujets jeunes polypathologiques : étude observationnelle d'une structure pilote.

INTRODUCTION: A unique structure devoted to post-acute and rehabilitation care for patients under 75 with multiple comorbidities has been created within the Department of Internal Medicine, Bichat Hospital, Paris. We aim to report on demographic factors, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized in this pilot structure. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients admitted between May 2017 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Analysis was performed on 61 (61 [24-75] years-old) admitted patients. The median length of hospital stays was 108 [13-974] days. At admission, the median Charlson comorbidity index was 6 [0-12] predicting a 10-year survival of 21 [0-99]%. Most patients were unemployed (83.6%) and had very low-income (< national minimum wage in 65.6% of cases). At hospital discharge, most patients (85.4%) were able to return home. The complete resolution of health problems occurred in most cases (65.6%) and was associated with a lower probability of both hospital readmission and death 1-year after discharge. CONCLUSION: The structure served a high percentage of patients with major and complex health needs but limited access to care due to individual disabilities, low-income and underinsured status. However, despite major health disorders, functional limitations, and vulnerability, admission improved patient outcomes and reduced excess hospital readmissions in most cases.

Spirometry not pain level predicts outcomes in geriatric patients with isolated rib fractures.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric patients with rib fractures are at risk for developing complications and are often admitted to a higher level of care (intensive care units [ICUs]) based on existing guidelines. Forced vital capacity (FVC) has been shown to correlate with outcomes in patients with rib fractures. Complete spirometry may quantify pulmonary capacity, predict outcome, and potentially assist with admission triage decisions. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 86 patients, 60 years or older with three or more isolated rib fractures presenting after injury. After informed consent, patients were assessed with respect to pain (visual analog scale), grip strength, FVC, forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV1), and negative inspiratory force on hospital days 1, 2, and 3. Outcomes included discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), pneumonia, intubation, and unplanned ICU admission. RESULTS: Mean age was 77.4 (SD, 10.2) and 43 (50.0%) were female. Forty-five patients (55.6%) were discharged home, median LOS was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-7). Pneumonias (2), unplanned ICU admissions (3), and intubation (1) were infrequent. Spirometry measures including FVC, FEV1, and grip strength predicted discharge to home and FEV1, and pain level on day 1 moderately correlated with the LOS. Within each subject, FVC, FEV1, and negative inspiratory force did not change for 3 days despite pain at rest and pain after spirometry improving from day 1 to 3 (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 respectively). Change in pain also did not predict outcomes and pain level was not associated with respiratory volumes on any of the 3 days. After adjustment for confounders, FEV1 remained a significant predictor of discharge home (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06) and LOS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spirometry measurements early in the hospital stay predict ultimate discharge home, and this may allow immediate or early discharge. The impact of pain control on pulmonary function requires further study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, level IV.

Prevalence of malnutrition comparing the GLIM criteria, ESPEN definition and MST malnutrition risk in geriatric rehabilitation patients: RESORT.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) has developed new criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition. This study aimed 1) to determine and compare malnutrition prevalence and risk using the GLIM criteria, European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) definition of malnutrition and the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) in patients admitted to subacute geriatric rehabilitation wards, 2) to explore the agreement of malnutrition prevalence determined by each definition, and 3) to determine the accuracy of the MST against the GLIM criteria and ESPEN definition as references. METHODS: Geriatric rehabilitation patients (n = 444) from the observational, longitudinal REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) cohort in Melbourne, Australia were included. The GLIM criteria, ESPEN definition and MST were applied. Accuracy was determined by the sensitivity, specificity and Area Under the Curve (AUC). RESULTS: According to the GLIM criteria, the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 52.0%. The ESPEN definition diagnosed 12.6% of patients as malnourished and the MST identified 44.4% of patients at risk for malnutrition. Agreement was low; 7% of patients were malnourished and at risk for malnutrition according to all three definitions. The accuracy of the MST compared to the GLIM criteria was fair (sensitivity 56.7%, specificity 69.0%) and sufficient (AUC 0.63); MST compared to the ESPEN definition was fair (sensitivity 60.7%, specificity 58.0%) and poor (AUC 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: According to the GLIM criteria, half of geriatric rehabilitation patients were malnourished, whereas the prevalence was much lower applying the ESPEN definition. This highlights the need for further studies to determine diagnostic accuracy of the GLIM criteria compared to pre-existing validated tools.

Use of oral third generation cephalosporins and quinolones and occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains in the neurogenic bladder (NB) outpatient setting: a retrospective chart audit.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart audit. OBJECTIVES: Neurogenic bladder (NB), a risk factor for urinary tract infection, has not been comprehensively studied in terms of antimicrobial stewardship. In this study, we studied the relationship between the use of oral third generation cephalosporins and quinolones, and the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. SETTING: Hyogo Prefectural Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Hyogo, Japan. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the amount of antibiotics prescribed in outpatients with NB caused by spinal cord injury between 2012 and 2017. We intervened in urological departments whose physicians often prescribed third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolone, and analyzed the number of prescriptions and the amount of Cefdinir (CFDN) and Levofloxacin (LVFX), and studied changes of ratios in antibiotic-resistant strains such as extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) and quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. RESULTS: The number of CFDN prescriptions per year significantly decreased from 463 cases to 130 cases over 6 years (p = 0.012). The number of LVFX prescriptions per year decreased from 640 cases to 171 cases (p = 0.025). The incidence rate of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae decreased from 25% to 7% of total K. pneumoniae (p < 0.001). The incidence of LVFX-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae significantly decreased in 2017 compared with 2012 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial stewardship interventions decreased the use of CFDN and LVFX for outpatients with NB. Our findings suggested that the reduction in the use of third generation cephalosporins and quinolones correlates with observed decrease in the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant, ESBL-producing, and quinolone-resistant bacteria.

Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in the Netherlands: Emergency Medical Service, Hospital, and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating treatment of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) from the prehospital phase until postrehabilitation is crucial to improve outcomes of future TSCI patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the flow of patients with TSCI through the prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation settings and to relate treatment outcomes to emergency medical services (EMS) transport locations and surgery timing. METHOD: Consecutive TSCI admissions to a level I trauma center (L1TC) in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively identified. Corresponding EMS, hospital, and rehabilitation records were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were included. Their median age was 58 (IQR 37-72) years, with the majority being male (68%) and suffering from cervical spine injuries (75%). In total, 66.2% of the patients with TSCI symptoms were transported directly to an L1TC, and 30.5% were secondarily transferred in from a lower level trauma center. Most injuries were due to falls (63.0%) and traffic accidents (31.1%), mainly bicycle-related. Most patients showed stable vital signs in the ambulance and the emergency department. After hospital discharge, 71 (47.0%) patients were admitted to a rehabilitation hospital, and 34 (22.5%) patients went home. The 30-day mortality rate was 13%. Patients receiving acute surgery (<12 hours) compared to subacute surgery (>12h, <2 weeks) showed no significance in functional independence scores after rehabilitation treatment. CONCLUSION: A surge in age and bicycle-injuries in TSCI patients was observed. A substantial number of patients with TSCI were undertriaged. Acute surgery (<12 hours) showed comparable outcomes results in subacute surgery (>12h, <2 weeks) patients.

Weekend Admission to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Is Associated With Transfer to Acute Care in a Nationwide Sample of Patients With Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the impact of weekend versus weekday admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility on the risk of acute care transfer in patients with stroke. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis using the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation, a national database comprising data from 70% of US inpatient rehabilitation facilities. A total of 1,051,436 adult (age ≥18 yrs) stroke cases were identified between 2002 and 2014 that met inclusion criteria. Logistic regression models were developed to test for associations between weekend (Friday-Sunday) versus weekday (Monday-Thursday) inpatient rehabilitation facility admission and transfer to acute care (primary outcome) and inpatient rehabilitation facility length of stay (secondary outcome), adjusting for relevant patient, medical, and facility variables. A secondary analysis examined acute care transfer from 2002 to 2009 before passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 2010 to 2012 post-Affordable Care Act, and 2013 to 2014 after implementation of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. RESULTS: Weekend inpatient rehabilitation facility admission was associated with increased odds of acute care transfer (odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-1.08) and slightly shorter inpatient rehabilitation facility length of stay (P < 0.001). Overall, the risk of acute care transfer decreased after the ACA and Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. CONCLUSIONS: Weekend admission to inpatient rehabilitation facility may pose a modest increase in the risk of transfer to acute care in patients with stroke. TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand disparities in obesity rates among adolescents with mobility disabilities; (2) Describe limitations of current clinical screening methods of obesity in children with mobility disabilities; and (3) Identify potential alternatives for obesity screening in children with mobility disabilities. LEVEL: Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Assignment of Registered Dietitians and Other Healthcare Professionals Positively Affects Weight Change of Underweight Patients in Convalescent (Kaifukuki) Rehabilitation Wards: A Secondary Analysis of a Nationwide Survey.

This study aimed to verify the relationship between assignment of professional registered dietitians (RDs) and other healthcare professionals and body weight or functional outcome in underweight patients. This was a secondary analysis of the nation-wide survey data from Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards (KRWs). Data of patients aged ≥20 y with disabilities and body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 and who were discharged from 1,099 KRWs were analyzed. The primary outcome was BMI at discharge. Secondary outcomes were Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at discharge and returning to home. Patients were divided into two groups: those in KRWs with ≥1 or <1 dedicated RD per ward (KRW/RD+ and KRW/RD-, respectively). Of 5,843 eligible participants (female, 63%; median age, 82 y; hip/vertebral/knee fracture, 47%; stroke, 34%; disuse syndrome secondary to acute illness, 11%; others, 8%), 1,288 and 4,555 were from the KRW/RD+ and KRW/RD- groups, respectively. At discharge, KRW/RD+ patients had higher FIM (93 vs. 90) and BMI (17.1 vs. 17.0 kg/m2) than did KRW/RD- patients. Multivariable analysis showed that assignment of dedicated RDs (B=0.213, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.036-0.389), number of nurses (B=0.023, 95% CI, 0.003-0.043), and daily rehabilitation dose were significantly associated with changes in body weight. Furthermore, these factors positively affected BMI at discharge. Number of nurses and rehabilitation dose correlated with FIM, but assignment of RDs did not correlate with FIM. In conclusion, assignment of RDs, nurses, and sufficient rehabilitation dose may contribute to BMI gain. Nurses and daily rehabilitation dose may positively affect functional recovery.

Prevalence of medication and off-label medication use in acquired brain injury at a neurorehabilitation hospital.

PURPOSE: Patients who suffer acquired brain injury (ABI) require a great variety of drugs. Furthermore, the lack of evidence on the medication effects in this type of patient increases off-label prescription. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of medication use and the practice of prescribing off-label drugs in these patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with ABI, of either traumatic or non-traumatic cause, admitted to a neurorehabilitation hospital for rehabilitation. Demographic and clinical data and prevalence of medication use and off-label prescription were collected. RESULTS: The majority of the studied patients (85.2%) were considered polymedicated since they were prescribed ≥ 6 drugs concomitantly. In traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, antidepressants (81.5%) were the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) group's most prescribed versus antithrombotic agents (80.5%) in non-traumatic brain injury (N-TBI) patients. Up to 37.3% of all active substances prescribed in TBI patients were off-label compared with 24.9% in N-TBI patients. The most prescribed off-label active substances in both groups were those related to the Nervous System (N) ATC group to treat neurobehavioural problems. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of these patients would be essential to address the high prescription rate of medications and the off-label prescription practice. In this way, medication problems related to polypharmacy could be minimised and the benefit-risk ratio of prescribed off-label drugs could be ensured according to the available medical evidence.

A National Analysis on Predictors of Discharge to Rehabilitation After Corrective Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of a national database. OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence and risk factors for discharge to a rehabilitation facility after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The vast majority of patients who undergo surgery for AIS are discharged home, with limited data on rates and causes for discharge to a rehabilitation facility. METHODS: The United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for the years 2012 to 2014. Inclusion criteria were children aged 10 to 18 who underwent surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. Studied data included patient demographics, operative parameters, length of stay, and hospital charges. Perioperative complications were also examined, along with their association with discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Statistical analysis was performed via chi-squared testing and multivariate analysis, with significance defined as a P-value <0.05. RESULTS: A total of 17,275 patients were included (76.3% female, mean age 14 yr). Out of the entire cohort, 4.8% of patients developed a complication and 0.6% were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The most common complications included respiratory failure (2.3%), reintubation (0.8%), and postoperative hematoma (0.8%). Following multivariate analysis, male sex (Odds ratio (OR) 4.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.8-12.2; P = 0.002), revision surgery (OR 29.6; 95% CI, 5.7-153.5; P < 0.001), and development of a perioperative complication (OR 12.3; 95% CI, 4.7-32.4; P < 0.001) were found to be significant predictors of discharge to rehabilitation. Average length of stay was 8 ±â€Š6 versus 5 ±â€Š3 days and hospital charges were $254,425 versus $186,273 in the complication and control groups, respectively (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Discharge to rehabilitation after AIS surgery is uncommon. However, patients who are male, undergo revision procedures, or develop a complication may have a higher risk of a non-routine discharge. Complication occurrence also resulted in significantly longer lengths of stay and healthcare costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Predictors of a Non-home Discharge Destination Following Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: Analyze risk factors associated with a non-home discharge following spinal fusions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Current evidence is limited with regard to which patient-level and provider/hospital-level factors predict a non-home discharge disposition following spinal fusions in AIS. Identifying these factors can allow providers to identify which patients would ultimately require facility care and can be discharged early to these facilities to reduce hospital costs. METHODS: The 2012 to 2016 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes for posterior spinal fusions (22800, 22802, and 22804) and anterior spinal fusions (22808, 22810, and 22812). Patients were categorized into those receiving a posterior-only fusion, anterior-only fusion, and combined anterior-posterior fusion. Only patients aged 10 to 18 undergoing corrective surgery for idiopathic scoliosis were included in the study. RESULTS: Out of a total of 8452 patients-90 (1.1%) were discharged to a destination other than home (skilled-care facility, separate acute care unit, and/or rehabilitation unit). Following multivariate analysis, children with a body mass index of 20 to 30 (P = 0.002) or >30 (P = 0.003), structural pulmonary abnormality (P = 0.030), past history of childhood cancer (P = 0.018), an ASA grade >II (P<0.001), undergoing a revision surgery versus a primary surgery (P = 0.039), a length of stay >4 days (P<0.001), and the occurrence of a predischarge complication (P = 0.003) were independent predictors associated with a non-home discharge disposition. CONCLUSION: In the current era of evolving health-care in which there is an increased focus toward decreasing costs, providers should consider utilizing these data to preoperatively identify patients who can be discharged to facility, and tailor an appropriate postoperative course of care aimed at expediting discharge processes to curb the financial burden of a prolonged length of stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Patients Discharged to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Undergo More Diagnostic Interventions With No Improvement in Outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the number of diagnostic tests and interventions, pain and function scores, or satisfaction of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities vs to home. From February to May 2015, 171 consecutive patients were prospectively recruited following primary total knee arthroplasty. Six weeks postoperatively, based on the patients' recollections, the number and types of diagnostic imaging tests, number of blood transfusions, and overall satisfaction whether discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (n=85) or to home (n=86) were assessed. A significantly greater proportion of patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities reported undergoing at least 1 diagnostic imaging test compared with patients discharged to home (25.9% vs 8.1%; P=.013). Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that patients discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility were more likely to have a greater number of diagnostic tests (odds ratio, 5.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-14.92; P=.004) and radiographs (odds ratio, 16.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-169.70; P=.020) performed. There was no significant difference in readmission rates for patients discharged to home (2.3%) vs to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (0%) (P=.246). No significant differences were observed in postoperative Knee Society pain or function scores (P=.083 and P=.057, respectively) or visual analog scale satisfaction scores (P=.206). Twenty-nine (34.1%) patients were discharged under the care of the visiting nurse service after leaving the rehabilitation facility. Patients discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility underwent more diagnostic testing, especially radiographs, than patients discharged to home. There were no clinically relevant differences in Knee Society pain or function scores or patient satisfaction. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(6):e841-e847.].

Prevalence of undernutrition in Japanese pediatric patients on admission: Comparison of tertiary, acute-care, and rehabilitation hospitals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There exist many studies in Western countries dealing with pediatric nutritional assessment on admission, but those in Asian countries are comparatively limited. This study aimed at clarifying the prevalence of undernutrition in 3 Japanese pediatric hospitals, especially focusing on their different characteristics. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Study participants included 313 patients aged 1-17 years admitted to a tertiary hospital (175 patients), an acute-care hospital (99 patients), or a rehabilitation hospital (39 patients). On admission, body height, weight, and serum albumin were measured. BMI was calculated by dividing the weight (kg) by the square of height (m). Patients exhibited undernutrition on account of BMI z-score <-2, weight-for-height (W/H) <90%, height-for-age (H/A) <95%, or albumin <3.5 g/dL. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 53.0%. Among 4 nutritional measures, the prevalence was highest in H/A (33.9%), followed by W/H (26.8%), BMI z-score (17.6%) and albumin (12.8%). A rehabilitation hospital exhibited significantly higher prevalence than that in a tertiary- or acute-care hospital. By the classification of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10, neurological diseases and congenital anomalies showed higher prevalence among the disease categories which had the number of enrolled patients more than twenty. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that hospital characteristics and inpatient disease categories are important in the admission evaluation of the likelihood of undernutrition. These observations require consideration by hospital physicians in paediatric nutritional diagnosis and management.

Predictors of inpatient rehabilitation after total knee replacement: an analysis of private hospital claims data.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate inpatient rehabilitation rates after private total knee replacements (TKRs) in Australia since 2009; to quantify the contributions of hospital-, surgeon- and patient-related factors to predicting inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; multivariate linear regression analysis of linked, de-identified Medibank administrative claims data and hospital casemix protocol data, adjusted for patient-related characteristics. Setting, participants: 35 389 patients undergoing Medibank-funded TKRs in 170 private hospitals in Australia, 2009-2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospital inpatient rehabilitation rate; relative contributions of patient- and provider-related characteristics to variation in inpatient rehabilitation rates. RESULTS: The overall inpatient rehabilitation rate increased from 31% in 2009 to 45% in 2016, but varied between hospitals (range, 0-100%). The reduction in mean acute length of stay during this period explained about 15% of this increase, and about 30% was explained by patient-related factors; more than half of the increase was explained by neither reduced length of stay or patient-related factors. Patient-related characteristics explained little of the variation in rates between hospitals. Rates at 27% of hospitals lay above the 95% confidence limit for the mean inpatient rehabilitation rate in private hospitals (38%), both before and after adjusting for patient-related factors. Provider characteristics explained three times as much of the variation as patient characteristics (75% v 25%); hospital-related factors made the largest contribution to variation (47%). CONCLUSION: Inpatient rehabilitation after TKR has increased in private health care during the past 8 years. Substantial variation in inpatient rehabilitation rates is not explained by patient-related factors, suggesting that some inpatient rehabilitation is low value care.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 492 patients in a vegetative state in 29 Italian rehabilitation units. What about outcome?

Recent studies on recovery of consciousness of subjects in a vegetative state (VS) admitted to rehabilitation units have focused mainly on the identification of prognostic factors, whereas few studies have focused on outcome. The aim of this study was to compare demographic and clinical data and report functional outcome of patients in a VS due to severe acquired brain injury (ABI) of different aetiologies. The study was a retrospective multicentre cohort study and involved 492 patients in a VS due to traumatic (TBI) or non-traumatic (NTBI) severe ABI admitted to 29 Italian rehabilitation units. Demographic and clinical data recorded included age, gender, aetiology, Glasgow Coma Scale score; onset-to-admission interval; length of stay in the rehabilitation unit; the department from which they were referred; and the presence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or tracheostomy. Recovery of consciousness and disability were evaluated using a discharge Disability Rating Scale. At discharge, 53.11% patients had emerged from VS, with TBI subjects significantly more likely to recover consciousness than NTBI ones. Subjects with NTBI had a significantly worse prognosis than those with TBI, and within the NTBI group, subjects with a cerebrovascular aetiology had a better outcome than those with an anoxic aetiology. Among the patients who emerged from VS, 71.30% of TBI and 83.06% of NTBI subjects presented extremely severe disability. Only 37.93% of subjects affected by TBI and 17.44% of those affected by NTBI who presented extremely severe disability returned home after their rehabilitation stay. Even though almost a half of the patients emerged from VS, a large number of these subjects showed severe disability, often making it impossible for them to return home. This situation has a major impact on the healthcare system.

Early intensive rehabilitation after oral cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: The treatment of oral cancer requires an effective rehabilitation strategy such as an early intensive rehabilitation (EIR) program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records and data of 41 patients who participated in an EIR program and 20 control group patients were analyzed. These patients all underwent surgical resection of the primary tumor followed by microsurgical reconstruction using free flaps. The length of stay (LOS) at the acute care hospital was compared between the two groups. Four indexes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the EIR program. RESULTS: EIR patients stayed an average of 11.6 fewer days at the acute care hospital. All indexes showed significant improvements (p < 0.001). The Barthel Index (BI) and the Early Intensive Rehabilitation Barthel Index (EIR-BI) improved by 36.0 and 103.6 points, respectively. At discharge, the Bogenhausener Dysphagia Score (BODS) had improved to a score of 11.0 compared to the 13.9 at admission. EIR patients had a Work Ability Index (WAI) score of 25.7. CONCLUSION: Length of stay at the acute care hospital can be reduced using early intensive rehabilitation if patients are transferred to an intensive rehabilitation clinic early.

Discharge to Inpatient Rehab Does Not Result in Improved Functional Outcomes Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Monitored rehabilitation has long been considered an essential part of the recovery process in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal setting for rehabilitation remains uncertain. We sought to determine whether inpatient rehabilitation settings result in improved functional and patient-reported outcomes after primary TKA. METHODS: All patients undergoing primary TKA from May 2007 to February 2011 were identified from our institutional total joint registry. Propensity score matching was then performed, resulting in a final cohort of 1213 matched pairs for discharge destination to either home or a rehabilitation facility (inpatient rehab or skilled nursing facility). Length of stay, need for manipulation, 6-month complications, and 2-year Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lower Extremity Activity Scale, 12-item Short Form Health Survey, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee expectations surveys were compared. RESULTS: Patients discharged to a rehab facility were noted to have a shorter hospital length of stay (5.0 vs 5.4 days). Patients discharged to inpatient rehabilitation reported more fractures at 6 months postoperatively. However, no differences in manipulation rates, 2-year outcome scores, or changes in outcome scores were found between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Inpatient rehabilitation settings did not result in lower complications at 6 months or improved functional or patient-reported outcomes at 2 years compared to discharge directly to home when patients are propensity matched for age, living situation, comorbidities, baseline functional status, and insurance status. This finding has important cost implications and calls into question whether the healthcare system should allow otherwise healthy patients to use inpatient rehabilitation services postoperatively after primary TKA.