Industry-Related Injuries in the United States From 1998 to 2011: Characteristics, Trends, and Associated Health Care Costs.

Abstract

To describe the trends, correlates, and healthcare costs associated with industry-related injuries across the United States between 1998 and 2011. A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of hospital discharges was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify accidents occurring in industrial settings. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to analyze trends. Most of the 357,716 inpatient hospitalizations were admissions from the emergency department (55%). Fractures were the most prevalent injuries (48.1%), whereas the lower and upper extremities were the most common injury sites (51.7%). The mean per admission cost of direct medical care was $12,849, with an overall downward trend in injuries during the study period. A comprehensive trend analysis of industry-related injuries is valuable to policymakers in formulating targeted strategies and allocating resources to address disparities at various levels.