Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine statewide emergency department (ED) visit data for
motorcycle crash morbidity and healthcare utilization due to traumatic brain
injuries (TBIs) and non-TBIs. SETTING: North Carolina ED data (2010-2012) and
hospital discharge data (2009-2011). POPULATION: Statewide ED visits and
hospitalizations due to injuries from traffic-related motorcycle crashes
stratified by TBI status. DESIGN: Descriptive study. MAIN MEASURES: Descriptive
statistics include age, sex, mode of transport, disposition, expected source of
payment, hospital length of stay, and hospital charges. RESULTS: Over the study
period, there were 18 780 ED visits and 3737 hospitalizations due to motorcycle
crashes. Twelve percent of ED visits for motorcycle crashes and 26% of
hospitalizations for motorcycle crashes had a diagnosis of TBI. Motorcycle
crash-related hospitalizations with a TBI diagnosis had median hospital charges
that were nearly $9000 greater than hospitalizations without a TBI diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to motorcycle
crashes with a TBI diagnosis consumed more healthcare resources than motorcycle
crash-related ED visits and hospitalizations without a TBI diagnosis. Increased
awareness of motorcyclists by other road users and increased use of motorcycle
helmets are 2 strategies to mitigate the incidence and severity of motorcycle
crash injuries, including TBIs.

Langue : ANGLAIS