60 A Retrospective Review of Factors Influencing Post-Hospital Discharge Follow-up in Patients with Burn Injuries

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Approximately 486,000 burn injuries, requiring hospitalization and/or outpatient care occur annually. Physical and psychosocial problems may develop at any time during recovery and it is important that care continue after discharge to maximize outcomes. Often, patients discharge themselves from clinic for unknown reasons. The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to self-discharge. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the burn center and outpatient follow up visits in 2018 was performed. Patients were grouped by lost to follow up (LTF) versus completed patients (COM). The LTF were further stratified by distance from clinic (≤ 50 miles vs. > 50 miles). COM were categorized as those who were discharged from clinic as PRN follow up visits. Results A total of 211 patients were scheduled for outpatient visits, mean age was 36.4 years and 74% were male. Most were Caucasian (41%) and Hispanic (31%). The most frequent payor sources were Medicaid (58%)/ Medicare (17%). Mean TBSA was 5.8 %, the most common mechanisms were Flame/Flash and Scald (30% each). Mean length of stay was 10.3 days, mean number of surgeries was 1.5. The majority of patients were discharged Home (71%). The mean number of outpatient visits was 3.57. A total of 165 (78%) were lost to follow-up. LTF patients had a smaller TBSA (4.69%) compared to COM (9.62%). Comparison between LTF and COM, showed no significant difference in age, race, distance from clinic, or disposition. However, larger TBSA (p=0.0009), longer length of stay (p=0.01), more surgeries (p=0.0105), patients with ongoing scar management (p=< 0.00001), and patients with Workman’s Comp (p=0.048) were more likely to complete outpatient follow up. Patients with closed wounds (p< 0.0001), substance abuse (p=0.0168), mental illness (p=0.0403), smokers (p=0.0192) were less likely to complete outpatient follow up as directed. The number of complications was also higher (p=0.0433) in the LTF group. When LTF were stratified by distance, Native Americans were significantly more likely to live > 50 miles from the clinic (p < .00001). Conclusions A large percentage of patients discharged themselves from clinic. Factors associated with self-discharge include healed wounds, no scarring issues, smoking, substance abuse and mental illness. Given the geographic distribution of races and ethnicities in our state, it is unsurprising that Native Americans live distant to our clinic. This provides an opportunity to expand our outreach efforts and incorporate the use of technology to improve access to care for this population.