Prevalence, causes, and risk profile of rehospitalizations in persons with spinal cord injury within the first 10 years after primary rehabilitation

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

This study aims to identify the prevalence, causes, time pattern and risk profile of rehospitalizations in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) within a 10-year period following primary rehabilitation and identify most common secondary health conditions (SHCs) and risk profile leading to rehospitalizations.

Setting

Specialized hospital and rehabilitation center for SCI in Switzerland.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from persons with SCI, discharged from initial rehabilitation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, and followed up over a period of ten years post-discharge. Descriptive statistical methods were utilized to compute the rehospitalization prevalence and to identify the primary reasons.

Results

225 participants were included, 70% were male (n = 179), and the mean age was 50 years (SD 19, Range 17–88). 54% were classified as having paraplegia (n = 122), and 77% incomplete injuries (n = 180). Over the 10-year observation period post-discharge, 120 were readmitted at least once, (prevalence 53%). In total, 66 persons (29%) were rehospitalized once or twice, while 54 persons (24%) were rehospitalized three or more times, with a maximum of 14 times. In the 10-year period, the most common SHCs leading to rehospitalization were infections (19%), pressure injuries (18%), and gastrointestinal problems (16%). During the study period, 57 persons (25%) passed away.

Conclusions

Rehospitalization after primary rehabilitation is frequent and in the majority of the cases due to SHCs. The study findings are valuable for resource planning in healthcare and can guide the implementation of preventive measures to avoid SHCs.