Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Post-acute care referral and inpatient rehabilitation admission criteria for persons with brain injury across two Canadian provinces
Authors: Swaine, Bonnie; Cullen, Nora; Messier, Frederic; Bayley, Mark; Lavoie, Andre; Marshall, Shawn; Sirois, Marie-Josee; Turgeon-Fournier, Alexis; Lamoureux, Julie; Shun, Priscilla Lam Wai
Journal: DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION Volume 40 Issue 6
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
Purpose: Investigate health care providers' perceptions of referral and admission criteria to brain injury inpatient rehabilitation in two Canadian provinces. Methods: Health care providers (n = 345) from brain injury programs (13 acute care and 16 rehabilitation facilities) participated in a cross-sectional web-based survey. The participants rated the likelihood of patients (traumatic brain injury and cerebral hypoxia) to be referred/admitted to rehabilitation and the influence of 19 additional factors (e.g., tracheostomy). The participants reported the perceived usefulness of referral/admission policies and assessment tools used.Results: Ninety-one percent acute care and 98% rehabilitation participants reported the person with traumatic brain injury would likely or very likely be referred/admitted to rehabilitation compared to respectively 43% and 53% for the patient with hypoxia. Two additional factors significantly decreased the likelihood of referral/admission: older age and the combined presence of minimal learning ability, memory impairment and physical aggression. Some significant inter-provincial variations in the perceived referral/admission procedure were observed. Most participants reported policies were helpful. Similar assessment tools were used in acute care and rehabilitation.Conclusions: Health care providers appear to consider various factors when making decisions regarding referral and admission to rehabilitation. Variations in the perceived likelihood of referral/admission suggest a need for standardized referral/admission practices.