title: Description of the moderate brain injured patient and predictors of discharge to rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated and discharged at levels I and II trauma centers in the United States; and to describe the predictors of discharge to rehabilitation after acute care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trauma centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with moderate TBI (N=2087; age range, 18-64 y) as reported in the 2010 National Sample Project.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Discharge destination (rehabilitation vs home with no services).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that demographic, clinical, and financial characteristics influenced the likelihood of being discharged to rehabilitation. Increased age, increased severity, Medicare use, longer length of stay, and trauma center locations in the Midwest and Northeast all increased the likelihood of discharge to rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The decision to discharge a person with moderate TBI from acute care to rehabilitation appears to be based on factors other than just clinical need. These findings should be considered in creating more equitable access to postacute rehabilitation services for patients with moderate TBI because they risk long-term physical and cognitive problems and have the potential for productive lives with treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Electronic address: sgrogers11@cox.net.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
authors.forename: Kathy C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
authors.forename: Ali A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Weinstein
authors.affiliation: Health Research and Analysis, Bethesda, MD.
authors.forename: Amber W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Trickey
mesh_terms: D015998:Abbreviated Injury Scale; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014481:United States; D014942:Workers' Compensation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Brain injuries; Rehabilitation