Healthcare and disability service utilization in the 5-year period following transport-related traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To describe the type, intensity and direct cost of healthcare and disability services used following transport-related traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods and procedures: Using the transport accident compensation regulator database, claims records were examined of 423 cases of adult (18-65 years of age) transport-related TBI occurring between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2004. Claimants were stratified by TBI severity using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Service utilization and costs were examined by TBI severity in the 5-year period post-injury. Main outcomes and results: Claimants accessed a total of 409 740 services. Claimants with severe TBI accessed more medical (median 333 per claimant) and paramedical services (median 436 per claimant) than claimants with mild and moderate TBI. Almost 60% of claimants with severe TBI accessed attendant care services compared to 39% and 45% of claimants with moderate and mild TBI, respectively. Average total costs of services were highest among claimants with severe TBI (AUD $324 515 per claimant). Conclusions: Healthcare service utilization and the economic burden of TBI are substantial. Injury compensation data provides a unique opportunity to explore patterns of healthcare usage post-injury, which is important for the planning and management of resources.