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Referral Patterns as a Contextual Variable in Pediatric Brain Injury: A Retrospective Analysis
Angela Hein Ciccia1, Jennifer P Lundine2, Alyssa Coreno1
1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|September 30, 2016
Summary
Pediatric brain injury rehabilitation is hindered by poor access to speech-language pathology (SLP) services. Early referrals for SLP are less likely for children with mild or unknown injury severity, impacting long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Rehabilitation medicine
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Access to speech-language pathology (SLP) services is crucial for pediatric brain injury rehabilitation.
- Understanding referral patterns in the acute phase is essential for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine speech-language pathology (SLP) referral patterns in the acute period following pediatric brain injury.
- To identify factors influencing SLP referrals in two large pediatric specialty hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort chart review of 200 pediatric brain injury cases (2007-2014).
- Data extraction included demographics, injury characteristics, and rehabilitation referrals.
- Analysis focused on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.
Main Results:
- Significant disparity in SLP referral rates between hospitals (36% vs. 2%).
- Lower likelihood of SLP referral for children with unknown or mild injury severity.
- Younger age was also associated with reduced SLP referral rates.
Conclusions:
- Early acute period SLP referral rates for pediatric brain injury are inadequate.
- Poor referral access creates barriers to essential rehabilitation services.
- This can lead to broader, long-term negative impacts on child development and recovery.
