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[Injuries in Rauma municipality in 1983. Therapeutic level and costs]
Summary
Accidents led 9.1% of the population to consult doctors in 1983, with significant costs from sick pay and hospitalizations. Prevention campaigns targeting home, school, and sports accidents are recommended within primary health care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
Context:
- In 1983, primary health care physicians systematically recorded all accident-related doctor consultations.
- Accidents represented a significant reason for seeking medical attention within the general population.
Purpose:
- To quantify the incidence of accidents requiring medical consultation.
- To analyze the distribution of healthcare utilization for accidents.
- To estimate the economic burden associated with accidents.
Summary:
- 9.1% of the total population consulted a doctor due to an accident.
- Treatment distribution included local doctors (80.6%), hospital outpatient care (13.7%), and hospital admission (5.7%).
- The mean accident cost was NOK 1,901 (1983 prices), with sick pay (51%) and hospital costs (29%) as major components. Work accidents (39%), home accidents (27%), and traffic accidents (24%) were key cost drivers.
Impact:
- Highlights the substantial role of accidents in primary healthcare utilization and associated costs.
- Identifies specific settings (home, school, sports) as priorities for future accident prevention initiatives.
- Provides economic data to inform public health policy and resource allocation for injury prevention.