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Hospitalizations of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury in Rural Australia: A Descriptive Study Over a 6-Year Period
Sumitha Gounden1, Hiu Wing Rachel Lau2, Asta Fung3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Orange Health Service, Western New South Wales Local Health Service, Orange, New South Wales; School of Rural Medicine, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales; Department of Medicine, School of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Orange, New South Wales.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 2026
Summary
Rural spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in Australia can often receive comprehensive local care. This study analyzed hospital admissions, diagnoses, and outcomes for SCI patients in a rural health district.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Traumatology
- Rural Health
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents unique challenges for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural settings.
- Understanding the patterns of hospital utilization for SCI patients is crucial for optimizing care in underserved areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify hospital admissions, discharges, and transfers for SCI patients in rural Australia.
- To identify principal diagnoses, length of stay (LOS), and mortality rates among these patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted across 41 hospitals in the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD), Australia.
- Electronic medical records of 105 adult SCI patients admitted between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed.
- Key outcomes included admission numbers, LOS, principal diagnoses, and mortality.
Main Results:
- 455 hospital admissions were recorded for 105 SCI patients, with 49% of hospitals managing at least one SCI admission.
- Genitourinary conditions were the most frequent principal diagnosis, while rehabilitation accounted for the most bed days.
- 10% of SCI patients died during their hospital admission.
Conclusions:
- Rural SCI patients in WNSWLHD can be managed locally for diverse medical and surgical needs.
- A pragmatic, localized care model appears effective for managing SCI patients in rural Australia.
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