The Network is tracking referral and admission patterns for inpatient rehab to assess the impact of COVID-19, bundled care and hospital integration on access to rehabilitation. Network members are using the data analysis to inform their planning.

The Network’s analysis of rehab referral and admission data across hospitals from 2017/18 to 2020/21 reveals the following:

  • Referrals increasing within integrated organizations: While rehab/CCC hospitals continue to receive referrals from all acute care hospitals, an increased volume of inpatient rehab/CCC admissions are from their own acute care partners.
  • High intensity rehab admission volumes down during pandemic: High intensity rehab admissions decreased by 12% between 2019/20 and 2020/21. Potential factors include individuals choosing home rather than inpatient rehab due to fears of contracting COVID-19 and reduced capacity in rehab due to surge capacity planning.
  • Low-intensity rehab admission volumes up during pandemic: Low intensity rehab admissions increased by 7% over the same time period. It should be noted that the number of low intensity beds increased across the system during this period.
  • Significant increase in low intensity rehab admissions over three-year period: From 2017/18 to 2020/21, the volume of low intensity rehab admissions increased by 56%. The Network will be exploring the possible reasons for this increase, including whether there is a trend toward shorter lengths of stay.

The Network continues to track data over time and works with a group of program directors to review the data trends.

For more information, please contact Sue Balogh, Project Manager.