The Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation: Report of Follow-up Information on Patients Discharged from Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs in 2002 – 2010

Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3182a92c58 · Published: March 1, 2014

Simple Explanation

This study examines the outcomes of patients who underwent inpatient medical rehabilitation for various conditions. Data was collected from over 300 rehabilitation facilities across the United States between 2002 and 2010. The study found that the majority of patients were able to return to community living after discharge, and their functional independence improved over time.

Study Duration

9 Years

Participants

287,104 patients with follow-up information

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
More than 90% of patients within each impairment group were living in the community at follow-up.
2
Follow-up FIM total ratings were stable to slightly increased over time, indicating sustained or improved functional independence.
3
Mean FIM gains from discharge to follow-up varied by impairment category, ranging from 46% for spinal cord injury to 71% for lower extremity fracture.

Research Summary

This report provides aggregated follow-up data from more than 280,000 patients who received care in more than 300 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units in the U.S. from 2002 through 2010. Gains in mean functional independence scores from both admission to discharge and discharge to follow-up gradually increased from 2002 to 2010. At follow-up, more than 9 out of 10 patients in all 6 groups were living in the community.

Practical Implications

Benchmark Information

Provides valuable benchmark data for expected outcomes and timeframes post-inpatient rehabilitation.

Policy Implications

Informs policymakers about the effectiveness of different post-acute care options, especially with bundled payments.

Future Research

Serves as a reference for evaluating programs serving the healthcare needs of patients requiring intensive post-acute rehabilitation services.

Study Limitations

1
Observational data limits inferences about reasons for change over time.
2
Meaningful comparisons require case-mix adjustment to account for patient-level factors.
3
Lack of information on patients’ functional status prior to their most recent illnesses or injuries.

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