Direct Cost of Illness for Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Global Spine Journal, 2022 · DOI: 10.1177/21925682211031190 · Published: June 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study reviews the costs associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to help with healthcare planning. The review looks at costs during acute care, rehabilitation, the first year after injury, and subsequent years. The costs of SCI care vary significantly based on injury severity, location, and how the costs are calculated.

Study Duration

Jan. 1990 to Nov. 2020

Participants

6177 citations, 30 articles included

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
The cost of acute care ranged from $290 to $612,590, inpatient rehabilitation from $19,360 to $443,040, the first year after injury from $32,240 to $1,156,400, and the ensuing years from $4,490 to $251,450.
2
A cervical level of the injury, ASIA grade A and B, concomitant injuries, and in-hospital complications were associated with the greatest incremental effect in cost burden.
3
Cost figures are broadly higher for developed countries.

Research Summary

This systematic review examines the direct costs of spinal cord injury (SCI) across different countries and socioeconomic levels. The review found substantial variation in methodologies, cost descriptions, and study timeframes, leading to a wide range of cost estimates. The study concludes that healthcare costs for SCI are significant, and cost figures are generally higher in developed countries.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Planning

Provides data to assist health-service planning and resource allocation for SCI care.

Cost Drivers

Identifies key factors influencing costs, such as injury severity and complications, enabling targeted interventions.

Standardized Research

Highlights the need for standardized methodologies in future cost of illness studies for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Data was not available in most parts of the world.
2
Considerable variability in the costs and cost calculations of SCI cases.
3
Methodological and reporting heterogeneities were common, which complicated the comparison of the results between publications.

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