Analysis of hospital use for injury among individuals with mental retardation

The utilization of hospital facilities for injuries by individuals with mental retardation (MR) was evaluated using a statewide hospital database. In comparison with the general population, persons with MR had a lower proportion of ER visits related to injury (26.5% vs. 30.4%) and were less likely to have multiple ER visits for injuries (Odds Ratio = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10-0.69). When persons with MR were admitted to the hospital for injury, the causes were less likely to be a motor vehicle crash (Odds Ratio = 0.30, 95% CI 0.15-0.62) but more likely to be a fall (Odds Ratio = 1.76, 95% CI 1.19-2.60). In the ER setting, persons with MR were more likely to be seen for poisoning (Odds Ratio = 6.05, 95% CI 2.97-12.32) and falls (Odds Ratio = 1.69, 95% CI 1.24-2.32). Individuals with MR had incurred lower charges per admission and higher charges in the ER, compared to the non-MR group. In general, there were notable differences in the types of injuries and the hospital usage patterns between the group with and without MR.