The system makes patients worse, especially those who are most vulnerable.
When a patient sustains an injury, where and how it occurs are major factors influencing progress through the medical system. Work-related injuries are covered by the workers' compensation system, and those from motor vehicle accidents may be covered by no-fault insurance. Patients can also apply for injury compensation. In a 6-year, prospective study in Australia, researchers examined the effects of the compensation system on health outcomes in 1010 injured patients admitted to a trauma hospital for at least 24 hours.
Patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) were excluded. Investigators also calculated a “propensity score,” which included preinjury characteristics, severity of the injury, and psychological response.
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Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)