Predictors of Emergency Room and Hospital Utilization Among Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Disability Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Emergency room (ER) and hospital utilization by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) significantly increase healthcare expenditures.
• Understanding the factors driving this utilization is crucial for developing targeted cost-saving strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify individual and environmental predictors of ER and hospital utilization among adults with IDD.
• To inform the development of interventions aimed at reducing healthcare costs for this population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective survey of medical charts was conducted for 597 adults with IDD.
• Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to identify utilization predictors.

Main Results:

• Individual risk factors for ER use included advanced age, multiple chronic conditions, cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, mental illness, and polypharmacy.
• Community-based supported living was an environmental predictor of ER utilization.
• Age and chronic conditions predicted hospitalization, while residing in group homes was associated with lower admission rates.

Conclusions:

• Specific risk factors for ER and hospital use among individuals with IDD necessitate tailored interventions.
• These findings are particularly relevant as states transition to Medicaid managed care models.