Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42157051›Full record

ArticleCost effectiveness and resource allocation : C/E2026

Cost-effectiveness of (sub)acute rehabilitation services for spinal cord injury: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Stefan Metzger, Boris Polanco, Inge Eriks-Hoogland, Armin Gemperli, Ana Oña, Diana Pacheco Barzallo

Abstract read
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Article in Cost effectiveness and resource allocation : C/E, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Stefan MetzgerFaculty of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland.
Boris PolancoSwiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zächstrasse 4, Nottwil, 6207, Switzerland.
Inge Eriks-HooglandFaculty of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland.
Armin GemperliFaculty of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland.
Ana OñaSwiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zächstrasse 4, Nottwil, 6207, Switzerland.
Diana Pacheco BarzalloFaculty of Health Science and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Lucerne, 6002, Switzerland. diana.pacheco@unilu.ch.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe global rise in disability and healthcare spending has intensified the need for cost-effective rehabilitation. Spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D), though relatively rare, is associated with high costs and complex care needs, making it an ideal condition to study efficient resource allocation in rehabilitation.

methodsThis retrospective observational study included 375 patients with SCI/D from a Swiss SCI centre. Outcome of rehabilitation was measured using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III). Latent class analysis identified three patient profiles. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by relating total costs to functional improvement, with logistic regression identifying predictors of efficient rehabilitation.

resultsThree distinct patient profiles showed significant differences in costs, service utilisation, and functional gains. Average efficiency-defined as achieving above-average functional improvement at below-average cost- was estimated at ΔSCIM III of 57, with a total cost of 118,000 Swiss francs. Efficient rehabilitation was most likely among patients. in profiles 1 and 2, younger with fewer comorbidities and with severe injuries.

conclusionsPatient segmentation enables targeted, equitable resource allocation in rehabilitation. Efficiency varies by patient profile, and even modest gains may be meaningful for severely impaired patients. A stratified cost-effectiveness evaluation is vital for policy and practice.

Indexed as

Cost-effectivenessPatient profilesRehabilitationSpinal cord injury

Identifiers

PMID42157051
PMCPMC13361112

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