The impact of co-morbid conditions and insurance status on trauma patient outcomes

Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to determine the correlation between trauma patient co-morbidities, insurance status and final disposition. Methods We evaluated the impact of co-morbid conditions and insurance status on trauma patient outcomes utilising the National Trauma Data Bank. Paired T-tests were used to determine significance ( P < 0.05). Results Patients who were discharged to home had the highest rate of private insurance (27%, P < 0.01), while those sent to a facility had the highest rate of public insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid (50%, P < 0.01) and the lowest rate of no insurance (5%, P < 0.01). Patients who died had the lowest rate of private insurance (17%, P < 0.01) and 15% had no insurance ( P < 0.01). Complications and co-morbidities were significantly more common in patients who died compared to those sent to another facility or home. Conclusion Improving access to private insurance is associated with improved trauma-related morbidity and mortality.