Citation

Harmon KJ, Marshall SW, Proescholdbell SK, Naumann RB, Waller AE. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2015; 30(3): 175-184.

Affiliation

Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Ms Harmon, Ms Naumann, and Dr Marshall); Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, North Carolina (Mr Proescholdbell); Department of Emergency Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Dr Waller).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000096

PMID

25955704

Abstract

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.

Language: en