@article{ref1,
title="Motorcycle crash-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations for traumatic brain injury in North Carolina",
journal="Journal of head trauma rehabilitation",
year="2015",
author="Harmon, Katherine J. and Marshall, Stephen W. and Proescholdbell, Scott K. and Naumann, Rebecca B. and Waller, Anna E.",
volume="30",
number="3",
pages="175-184",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0885-9701",
doi="10.1097/HTR.0000000000000096",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000096"
}