Health Care Utilization and Cost Associated With Urinary Tract Infections in a Privately Insured Spinal Cord Injury Population

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00022 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Healthcare

Simple Explanation

This study examines the impact of urinary tract infections (UTIs) on healthcare costs and resource use for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The research identifies several factors that increase the risk of UTIs in this population, including younger age, female sex, and specific levels of injury. The findings highlight that UTIs significantly increase healthcare utilization and costs, emphasizing the need for better management and prevention strategies for individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

6762 individuals with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Younger age, female sex, thoracic level of injury, noncommercial insurance, and having at least one comorbidity were associated with increased odds of UTI.
2
Individuals with a UTI in year 1 were 11 times more likely to experience a UTI in year 2.
3
UTIs were associated with 2.48 times higher cumulated health care resource use payments over 2 years after injury.

Research Summary

The study investigated risk factors and healthcare utilization costs associated with UTIs in individuals with SCI using IBM’s Marketscan Database from 2000-2019. Results showed that younger age, female sex, thoracic level of injury, noncommercial insurance, and comorbidities increased the odds of UTI, which significantly increased healthcare costs. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding UTI-associated risk factors to improve the management of high-risk individuals with SCI and optimize their healthcare utilization.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Develop tailored educational programs for SCI patients to prevent hospital readmissions and promote well-being.

Risk Factor Awareness

Increase awareness among healthcare providers about the risk factors associated with UTIs in SCI patients to improve early identification and management.

Cost-Effective Strategies

Implement cost-effective strategies for the surveillance and management of UTIs in SCI patients to optimize healthcare resource utilization.

Study Limitations

1
MarketScan database is based on a large convenience sample, which may contain biases.
2
Observational claims are prone to missing data and inaccurate coding practices.
3
Missing variables include injury severity, bladder management method, and behavioral factors.

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