Intensity of hospital resource use following traumatic brain injury: a multicentre cohort study, 2013-2016.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge gap regarding acute care resource use for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) impedes efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of the care of these patients. Our objective was to evaluate interhospital variation in resource use for patients with TBI, identify determinants of high resource use and assess the association between hospital resource use and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study including patients aged 16 years and older admitted to the inclusive trauma system of Quebec following TBI, between 2013 and 2016. We estimated resource use using activity-based costs. Clinical outcomes included mortality, complications and unplanned hospital readmission. Interhospital variation was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Correlations between hospital resource use and clinical outcomes were evaluated using correlation coefficients on weighted, risk-adjusted estimates with 95% CIs. RESULTS: We included 6319 patients. We observed significant interhospital variation in resource use for patients discharged alive, which was not explained by patient case mix (ICC 0.052, 95% CI 0.043 to 0.061). Adjusted mean resource use for patients discharged to long-term care was more than twice that of patients discharged home. Hospitals with higher resource use tended to have a lower incidence of mortality (r -0.347, 95% CI -0.559 to -0.087) and unplanned readmission (r -0.249, 95% CI -0.481 to 0.020) but a higher incidence of complications (r 0.491, 95% CI 0.255 to 0.666). CONCLUSION: Resource use for TBI varies significantly among hospitals and may be associated with differences in mortality and morbidity. Negative associations with mortality and positive associations with complications should be interpreted with caution but suggest there may be a trade-off between adverse events and survival that should be evaluated further.

Head CT overuse in children with a mild traumatic brain injury within two Canadian emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: The validated Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Network (PECARN) rule helps determine the relevance of a head computerized tomography (CT) for children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We sought to estimate the potential overuse of head CT within two Canadian emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children seen in 2016 in a paediatric Level I (site 1) and a general Level II (site 2) trauma centre. We reviewed charts to determine the appropriateness of head CT use according to the PECARN rule in a random subset of children presenting with head trauma. Simple descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred and forty-six eligible patients younger than 17 years consulted during the study period. Of the 203 randomly selected cases per setting, 16 (7.9%) and 24 (12%), respectively from sites 1 and 2 had a head CT performed. Based on the PECARN rule, we estimated the overuse for the younger group (<2 years) to be below 3% for both hospitals without significant difference between them. For the older group (≥2 years), the overuse rate was higher at site 2 (9.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.8 to 17% versus 1.2%, 95% CI: 0.2 to 6.5%, P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Both EDs demonstrated overuse rates below 10% although it was higher for the older group at site 2. Such low rates can potentially be explained by the university affiliation of both hospitals and by two Canadian organizations working to raise awareness among physicians about the overuse of diagnostic tools and dangers inherent to radiation.

Resource use for older people hospitalised due to injury in a Canadian integrated trauma system: a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Injuries represent one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality. For countries with ageing populations, admissions of injured older patients are increasing exponentially. Yet, we know little about hospital resource use for injured older patients. Our primary objective was to evaluate inter-hospital variation in the risk-adjusted resource use for injured older patients. Secondary objectives were to identify the determinants of resource use and evaluate its association with clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of injured older patients (≥65 years) admitted to any trauma centres in the province of Quebec (2013-2016, N = 33,184). Resource use was estimated using activity-based costing and modelled with multilevel linear models. We conducted separate subgroup analyses for patients with trauma and fragility fractures. RESULTS: Risk-adjusted resource use varied significantly across trauma centres, more for older patients with fragility fractures (intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC] = 0.093, 95% CI [0.079, 0.102]) than with trauma (ICC = 0.047, 95% CI = 0.035-0.051). Risk-adjusted resource use increased with age, and the number of comorbidities, and varied with discharge destination (P < 0.001). Higher hospital resource use was associated with higher incidence of complications for trauma (Pearson correlation coefficient [r] = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.7) and fragility fractures (r = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.7) and with higher mortality for fragility fractures (r = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant inter-hospital variations in resource use for injured older patients. Hospitals with higher resource use did not have better clinical outcomes. Hospital resource use may not always positively impact patient care and outcomes. Future studies should evaluate mechanisms, by which hospital resource use impacts care.

Why Do We Need a New Clinical Practice Guideline for Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury?

OBJECTIVE: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) aim to improve quality and consistency of healthcare services. A Canadian group of researchers, clinicians, and policy makers developed/adapted a CPG for rehabilitation post-moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (MSTBI) to respond to end users' needs in acute care and rehabilitation settings. METHODS: The rigorous CPG development process began assessing needs and expectations of end users, then appraised existing CPGs, and, during a consensus conference, produced fundamental and priority recommendations. We also surveyed end users' perceptions of implementation gaps to determine future implementation strategies to optimize adherence to the CPG. RESULTS: The unique bilingual (French and English) CPG consists of 266 recommendations (of which 126 are new recommendations), addressing top priorities for MSTBI, rationale, process indicators, and implementations tools (eg, algorithms and benchmarks). CONCLUSION: The novel approach of consulting and working with end users to develop a CPG for MSTBI should influence knowledge uptake for clinicians wanting to provide evidence-based care.

Assessment of Users' Needs and Expectations Toward Clinical Practice Guidelines to Support the Rehabilitation of Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Stakeholder engagement in clinical practice guideline (CPG) creation is thought to increase relevance of CPGs and facilitate their implementation. The objectives were to survey stakeholders involved in the care of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) regarding general perceptions of CPGs, key elements to be included, and needs and expectations about format and implementation strategy. SETTINGS: Hospitals and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities providing services to persons with TBI. PARTICIPANTS: Stakeholders identified as primary end users of the CPG: clinicians, hospital leaders, health system managers, and funders in Quebec and Ontario (Canada). DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey conducted between May and September 2014. RESULTS: In total, 332 individuals expressed their needs and expectations. Despite positive perceptions of CPGs, only a small proportion of respondents used them. Intensity and frequency of interventions, behaviors disorders and cognitive function impairment, and social participation and community life were important subjects to cover in the CPG. Finally, respondents asked for specific recommendations including a ranking of recommendations based on level of underlying evidence. CONCLUSION: Respondents have important expectations toward a CPG. We anticipate that early and meaningful engagement of end users could facilitate CPG implementation.

A Survey of Perceived Implementation Gaps for a Clinical Practice Guideline for the Rehabilitation of Adults With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Appraising current practice is an important prerequisite for implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The study objective was to determine the perceived level of implementation, priority, and feasibility of a subset of key CPG recommendations for the rehabilitation of individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (MSTBI). METHODS: Fifty-one teams at acute care and rehabilitation facilities were invited to complete an electronic survey addressing the perceived level of implementation, priority, and feasibility of 109 fundamental and priority recommendations from the CPG-MSTBI. RESULTS: Forty-four clinical teams responded across 2 Canadian provinces. Most of the recommendations were deemed as "fully" or "mostly" implemented, while relative gaps in implementation were perceived in recommendations regarding coordination with mental health and addiction providers (>75% of respondents indicated low levels of implementation), "Caregivers and Families" (26%), and "Psychosocial and Adaptation Issues" (25%). Priority levels and perceived feasibility were generally high (>60% and >86%, respectively) for recommendations with low levels of implementation. Priority recommendations for implementation were identified for both acute care and rehabilitation settings in Québec and Ontario. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of clinician perception provides a helpful perspective for implementation. Exploring perceived implementation gaps based on users' needs and expectation should be a part of an implementation process.

Unique Features of the INESSS-ONF Rehabilitation Guidelines for Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Responding to Users' Needs.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinical practice guidelines are a potential solution to rapidly expanding literature. The project objective was to convene experts to develop a unique set of TBI rehabilitation recommendations incorporating users' priorities for format and implementation tools including indicators of adherence. METHODS: The Guidelines Adaptation & Development Cycle informed recommendation development. Published TBI recommendations were identified and tabulated. Experts convened to adapt or, where appropriate, develop new evidence-based recommendations. These draft recommendations were validated by systematically reviewing relevant literature. Surveys of experts and target users were triangulated with strength of evidence to identify priority topics. RESULTS: The final recommendation set included a rationale, implementation tools (algorithms/adherence indicators), key process indicators, and evidence summaries, and were divided in 2 sections: Section I: Components of the Optimal TBI Rehabilitation System (71 recommendations) and Section II: Assessment and Rehabilitation of Brain Injury Sequelae (195 recommendations). The recommendations address top priorities for the TBI rehabilitation system: (1) intensity/frequency of interventions; (2) rehabilitation models; (3) duration of interventions; and (4) continuity-of-care mechanisms. Key sequelae addressed (1) behavioral disorders; (2) cognitive dysfunction; (3) fatigue and sleep disturbances; and (4) mental health. CONCLUSION: This TBI rehabilitation guideline used a robust development process to address users' priorities.

SHAPING QUALITY THROUGH VISION, STRUCTURE, AND MONITORING OF PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY INDICATORS: IMPACT STORY FROM THE QUEBEC TRAUMA NETWORK.

OBJECTIVES: The Quebec Trauma Care Continuum (TCC) was initiated in 1991 with the objective of providing accessible, continuous, efficient, and high quality services for all injury cases in the province. METHODS: The TCC design relied on three key components: (i) the designation of a network of acute care and rehabilitation facilities with specific mandates and responsibilities; (ii) the elaboration of transfer protocols, standing agreements, and governing structures to ensure fluid and optimal patient flow; and (iii) the close monitoring of several indicators to facilitate the continuous evaluation and improvement of the network. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2002, in-hospital mortality following major trauma decreased from 51.8 percent to 8.6 percent, followed by an additional 24 percent drop between 1999 and 2012. We also observed a 16 percent decrease in average LOS but no change in the incidence of complications or unplanned readmissions. These changes translate into 186 lives saved per year and cost savings, due to shorter LOS, of 6.3 million CD$ per year. The risk-adjusted incidence of in-hospital mortality following major injury between 2006 and 2012 (7 percent) was the lowest of all Canadian provinces. CONCLUSIONS: Strategic transformation of a network's structure and processes, supported by continuous monitoring of validated quality indicators, can lead to significant and sustainable improvements in clinical outcomes. It is hoped that the Quebec trauma story will inspire other jurisdictions and other healthcare sectors.

Advanced Lung Cancer Patients' Use of EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Overall Survival: Real-World Evidence from Quebec, Canada.

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are breakthrough palliative treatments for advanced lung cancer patients with tumors harboring mutations in the EGFR gene. Using healthcare administrative data, three cohorts were created to describe the use of three EGFR-TKIs that are publicly funded in Quebec for specific indications (i.e., 1st-line gefitinib, 1st-line afatinib, and post-EGFR-TKI osimertinib). The main objective was to compare overall survival (OS) among patients receiving these treatments to those in previous experimental and real-world studies. The patients who received EGFR-TKIs for indications of interest between 1 April 2001, and 31 March 2019 (or 31 March 2020, for post-EGFR-TKI osimertinib) were included to estimate the Kaplan-Meier-based median OS for each cohort. An extensive literature search was conducted to include comparable studies. For the gefitinib 1st-line (n = 457), the afatinib 1st-line (n = 80), and the post-EGFR-TKI osimertinib (n = 119) cohorts, we found a median OS (in months) of 18.9 (95%CI: 16.3-21.9), 26.6 (95%CI: 13.7-NE) and 19.9 (95%CI: 17.4-NE), respectively. Out of the 20 studies that we retained from the literature review and where comparisons were feasible, 17 (85%) had similar OS results, which further confirms the value of these breakthrough therapies in real-world clinical practice.

Low-Value Clinical Practices in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: An Umbrella Review.

Despite numerous interventions and treatment options, the outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have improved little over the last 3 decades, which raises concern about the value of care in this patient population. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on 14 potentially low-value clinical practices in TBI care. Using umbrella review methodology, we identified systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of 14 potentially low-value practices in adults with acute TBI. We present data on methodological quality (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews), reported effect sizes, and credibility of evidence (I to IV). The only clinical practice with evidence of benefit was therapeutic hypothermia (credibility of evidence II to IV). However, the most recent meta-analysis on hypothermia based on high-quality trials suggested harm (credibility of evidence IV). Meta-analyses on platelet transfusion for patients on antiplatelet therapy were all consistent with harm but were statistically non-significant. For the following practices, effect estimates were consistently close to the null: computed tomography (CT) in adults with mild TBI who are low-risk on a validated clinical decision rule; repeat CT in adults with mild TBI on anticoagulant therapy with no clinical deterioration; antibiotic prophylaxis for external ventricular drain placement; and decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial hypertension. We identified five clinical practices with evidence of lack of benefit or harm. However, evidence could not be considered to be strong for any clinical practice as effect measures were imprecise and heterogeneous, systematic reviews were often of low quality, and most included studies had a high risk of bias.

Adapting two American Decision Aids for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury to the Canadian Context Using the Nominal Group Technique.

BACKGROUND: Decision aids are patient-focused tools that have the potential to reduce the overuse of head computed tomography (CT) scans. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to create a consensus among Canadian mild traumatic brain injury and emergency medicine experts on modifications required to adapt two American decision aids about head CT use for adult and paediatric mild traumatic brain injury to the Canadian context. METHODS: We invited 21 Canadian stakeholders and the two authors of the American decision aids to a Nominal Group Technique consensus meeting to generate suggestions for adapting the decision aids. This method encourages idea generation and sharing between team members. Each idea was discussed and then prioritised using a voting system. We collected data using videotaping, writing material and online collaborative writing tools. The modifications proposed were analysed using a qualitative thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants took part in the meeting, including researchers and clinician researchers (n = 9; 43%), patient partners (n = 3; 14%) and decision makers (n = 2; 10%). A total of 84 ideas were generated. Participants highlighted the need to clarify the purpose of the decision aids, the nature of the problem being addressed and the target population. The tools require sociocultural adaptations, better identification of their target population, better description of head CT utility, advantages and related risks, modification of the visual and written representation of the risk of brain injury and head CT use, and locally adapted, patient follow-up plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study based on a Nominal Group Technique identified several adaptations for two American decision aids about head CT use for mild traumatic brain injury to support their use in Canada's different healthcare, social, cultural and legal context. These adaptations concerned the target users of the decision aids, the information presented, and how the benefits and risks were communicated in the decision aids. Future steps include prototyping the two adapted decision aids, conducting formative evaluations with actual emergency department patients and clinicians, and measuring the impact of the adapted tools on CT scan use.

A mild traumatic brain injury (also called concussion) can happen when the brain moves around in the skull after an impact to the head. A concussion is not a brain bleed and you cannot see a concussion. Concussions do not show up on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Brain bleeds do. Computed tomography scans are specialised X-ray machines that can detect serious brain injuries. Unfortunately, CT scan use also exposes patients to radiation and a future increased risk of cancer.Shared decision making involves health professionals and patients making decisions together based on the best available evidence, health professionals' experience, and patients' values and preferences. Shared decision making improves appropriate diagnostic test use.Two decision aids created in the USA are available to facilitate shared decision making regarding the use of head CT scans for patients with concussion. These decision aids are not fully adapted for use in Canada because the healthcare, social and legal context is different. Our study brought together patients and experts in the field of concussion and shared decision making to analyse these decision aids and propose adaptations that would increase their acceptance in Canadian emergency departments. We used a technique called the Nominal Group Technique to create a consensus about the most important changes to make to both original decision aids. The main adaptations needed for the Canadian context concerned avoiding information about cost and removing any information that does not change clinical management. This project will help us adapt two decision aids for clinical use in Canada and support appropriate CT scan use for patients with concussion.

Low-value clinical practices in adult traumatic brain injury: an umbrella review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to 50 000 deaths, 85 000 disabilities and costs $60 billion each year in the USA. Despite numerous interventions and treatment options, the outcomes of TBI have improved little over the last three decades. In a previous scoping review and expert consultation survey, we identified 13 potentially low-value clinical practices in acute TBI. The objective of this umbrella review is to synthesise the evidence on potentially low-value clinical practices in the care of acute TBI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Using umbrella review methodology, we will search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Epistemonikos, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and PubMed to identify systematic reviews evaluating the effect of potential intrahospital low-value practices using tailored population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design questions based on the results of a previous scoping review. We will present data on the methodological quality of these reviews (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2), reported effect sizes and strength of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required as original data will not be collected. Knowledge users from five healthcare quality organisations and clinical associations are involved in the design and conduct of the study. Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at international scientific meetings and to clinical, healthcare quality and patient-partner associations. This work will support the development of metrics to measure the use of low-value practices, inform policy makers on potential targets for deimplementation and in the long term reduce the use of low-value clinical practices in acute TBI care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42019132428.

Patient-level resource use for injury admissions in Canada: A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Variations in adjusted costs have been observed among trauma centres in the United States but patient outcomes were not better in centres with higher costs. Attempts to improve injury care efficiency are hampered by insufficient patient-level information on resource use and on the drivers of resource use intensity. OBJECTIVES: To estimate patient-level resource use for injury admissions, identify determinants of resource use intensity, and evaluate inter-hospital variations in resource use. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including ≥16-year-olds admitted to adult trauma centres in a mature, inclusive Canadian trauma system between 2014 and 2016. We extracted data from the trauma registry and hospital financial reports. We estimated resource use with activity-based costs, identified determinants of resource use intensity using a multilevel linear model and assessed the relative importance of each determinant with Cohen's f2. We evaluated inter-provider variations with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: We included 32,411 patients. Median costs per admission were $4857 (Quartiles 1 and 3 2961-8448). The most important contributors to total resource use were the medical ward (57%), followed by the operating room (OR; 23%) and the intensive care unit (13%). The strongest determinant of resource use intensity was discharge destination (Cohen's f2 = 7%). The most resource intense patient group was spinal cord injuries with $11,193 (7115-17,606) per admission. While resource use increased with increasing age for the medical ward, it decreased with increasing age for the OR. Resource use was 18% higher in level I centres compared to level IV centres and we observed significant variations in resource use across centres (ICC = 5% [4-6]), particularly for the OR (28% [20-40]). CONCLUSIONS: Resource use for acute injury care in Quebec is not solely due to the clinical status of patients. We identified determinants of resource use that can be used to establish evidence-based resource allocations and improve injury care efficiency. The method we developed for estimating patient-level, in-hospital resource use for injury admissions and identifying related determinants could be reproduced using local trauma registry data and our unit costs or unit costs specific to each setting.

Low-value clinical practices in injury care: A scoping review and expert consultation survey.

BACKGROUND: Tests and treatments that are not supported by evidence and could expose patients to unnecessary harm, referred to here as low-value clinical practices, consume up to 30% of health care resources. Choosing Wisely and other organizations have published lists of clinical practices to be avoided. However, few apply to injury and most are based uniquely on expert consensus. We aimed to identify low-value clinical practices in acute injury care. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review targeting articles, reviews and guidelines that identified low-value clinical practices specific to injury populations. Thirty-six experts rated clinical practices on a five-point Likert scale from clearly low value to clearly beneficial. Clinical practices reported as low value by at least one level I, II, or III study and considered clearly or potentially low-value by at least 75% of experts were retained as candidates for low-value injury care. RESULTS: Of 50,695 citations, 815 studies were included and led to the identification of 150 clinical practices. Of these, 63 were considered candidates for low-value injury care; 33 in the emergency room, 9 in trauma surgery, 15 in the intensive care unit, and 5 in orthopedics. We also identified 87 "gray zone" practices, which did not meet our criteria for low-value care. CONCLUSION: We identified 63 low-value clinical practices in acute injury care that are supported by empirical evidence and expert opinion. Conditional on future research, they represent potential targets for guidelines, overuse metrics and de-implementation interventions. We also identified 87 "gray zone" practices, which may be interesting targets for value-based decision-making. Our study represents an important step toward the deimplementation of low-value clinical practices in injury care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review, Level IV.

Impact of Therapy on Recovery during Rehabilitation in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Evidence-based planning of rehabilitation interventions is important to improving cost efficiency while maintaining patient and system outcomes. This article aims to explore the relationship between rehabilitation therapy, functional outcome, bed utilization, and care costs after traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). A retrospective review of 262 persons with tSCI admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility from 2005-2012 was conducted. Treatment variables and outcome measures included rehabilitation length of stay (LOS), days to rehabilitation (onset), hours and intensity of therapy, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Polynomial regression models and generalized additive models were applied to explore the relationship between therapy hours and motor FIM change. Simulation modeling was used to assess the impact of hypothetically increasing therapy intensity. Patients were grouped by injury as: C1-4 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) A,B,C; C5-8 AIS A,B,C; T1-S5 AIS A,B,C; and AIS D. The sample was 85% male, mean age 45.9, median LOS 102 days, and mean therapy intensity 5.7 h/week. Motor FIM change was positively associated with total hours of therapy (ß = 0.40, p < 0.0001) up to a certain time point, adjusted for age, gender, injury, complications, and rehabilitation onset. Hypothetically increasing therapy intensity by 50% and 100% resulted in average motor FIM efficiency gain ranging between 0.04-0.07 and 0.1-0.17, respectively, across injury groups. The hypothetical changes resulted in reductions in the average LOS and bed utilization rate, translating to cost savings of $20,000 and $50,000 (2011 CAD) for the +50% and +100% scenarios, respectively. The results highlight the importance of monitoring functional change throughout rehabilitation after tSCI and the need for customized therapeutic strategies.

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Care in Canada: A Survey of Canadian Centers.

Specialized centers of care for persons sustaining a traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) have been established in many countries, but the ideal system of care has not been defined. The objective of this study was to describe care delivery, with a focus on structures and services, for persons with tSCI in Canada. A survey was sent to 26 facilities (12 acute, 11 rehabilitation, and three integrated) from eight provinces participating in the Access to Care and Timing project. The survey included questions about: 1) care provision; 2) structural attributes and; 3) service availability. Survey completion rate was 100%. Data sources used to complete the survey were the Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry, other hospital databases, clinical protocols, and subject matter experts. Acute and rehabilitation care provided by integrated facilities were described separately, resulting in data from 15 acute and 14 rehabilitation facilities. The number of admissions for tSCI over a 12-month period between 2009-2011 ranged from 17 to 104 (median 39), and 11 to 96 (median 32), for acute and rehabilitation facilities, respectively. Grouping of patients was reported by 8/15 acute and 10/14 rehabilitation facilities. Criteria for admission to the inpatient rehabilitation facilities varied among facilities (25 different criteria reported). Results from the survey revealed similarities in the basic structure and the provision of general services, but also some differences in the degree of specialization of care for persons with tSCI. Continued work on the impact of specialized care for both the patient and healthcare system is needed.