Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine what factors predict resource utilization and outcomes in patients recovering from an acute care orthopedic treatment episode in facilities offering subacute rehabilitation. We obtained data from a subacute orthopedic rehabilitation program offered at a continuing care facility. We obtained administrative and follow-up data for a case series of 779 patients undergoing subacute rehabilitation following an acute care hospital stay for an orthopedic condition. We administered the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission, discharge, and 12 weeks postsubacute discharge. We estimated resource utilization through the calculation of subacute length of stay. A regression model explaining 30% of the variance in subacute length of stay (SLOS) contained admission motor FIM score, acute care length of stay (LOS), age, and lower leg/ankle fracture. A regression model explaining 85% of the variance in motor functional gain contained admission motor FIM score, lower/leg ankle fracture, and knee replacement. These results indicate that admission functional status is the key predictor of both SLOS and functional change. Prediction of 12-week functional change was more successful than prediction of SLOS.
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Kelly, K.D., Malone, B., Hempel, P. et al. Orthopedic Subacute Rehabilitation—Predictors of Functional Outcome and Resource Utilization. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health 5, 165–176 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012947221306
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012947221306