Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76524

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 32, 4, 264-270

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study determined the incidence and causes of rehospitalization following traumatic brain injury (TBI) among 401 military service members and veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) TBI Model System study. One-year follow-up measures were collected within a 2-month window before or after the anniversary date of injury to document rehospitalization status. Results showed that 164 (41 percent) of the 401 participants were rehospitalized. Rehospitalization status was associated with greater injury severity and receipt of TBI while on active duty. Of those rehospitalized, 30 percent had 2 or more readmissions. Participants experiencing multiple rehospitalizations (2 or more) were more likely to have sustained their TBI during deployment than those with none or single rehospitalization. This group also sustained more severe injuries and spent more time in inpatient rehabilitation. Common reasons for rehospitalization included inpatient rehabilitation (33 percent), unspecified (26 percent), orthopedic (10 percent), seizures (8 percent), infection (8 percent), and psychiatric (7 percent). Findings indicate frequent rehospitalizations occurred in the first year postinjury, suggesting the need for preventive models of health maintenance following inpatient rehabilitation discharge. Greater surveillance of those with deployment-related TBI or active duty at the time of injury and greater TBI severity may be warranted.

Author(s):


Tran, Johanna, Hammond, Flora, Dam-O'Connor, Kristen, Tang, Xinyu, Eapen, Blessen, McCarthy, Marissa, Nakase-Richardson, Risa

Participating Centers: