Inpatient rehabilitation after acute injury or illness for patients with and without mental health disorders: service utilization, functional improvement, and pain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.45007Keywords:
subacute rehabilitation, inpatient rehabiliation, mental health disorder, pain, opioid analgesics, functional assessmentAbstract
Objective: Compare rehabilitation process and outcomes between patients with and without mental health disorders.
Design: Observational cohort study.
Subjects: 130 patients receiving post-acute inpatient rehabilitation after acute injury or illness.
Methods: Mental health disorders were assessed with diagnostic interviews. Adjusted regression analysis examined associations between mental health disorders and rehabilitation processes, func-tional improvement, pain, and patient satisfaction.
Results: Patients with mental health disorders had more psychologist sessions (B = 5.87, 95% CI 3.87–7.87), more cancelled physiotherapy sessions (B = 1.15, 95% CI 0.38–1.93), multiprofessional team members collaborated more with external partners (B = 6.10, 95% CI 2.88–9.32), and nurses and team coordinators found their roles more demanding (OR = 5.47, 95% CI 1.38–21.76; OR = 7.43, 95% CI 2.21–24.94). Mental health disorders were associated with higher pain intensity and pain interference (B = 1.25, 95% CI 0.38–2.12; OR = 6.81, 95% CI 1.39–33.30). Opioid use was comparable on admission, but the mental health disorder group used more on discharge (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 1.75–11.55). Change in functional independence and patient satisfaction was comparable.
Conclusion: Comorbid mental health disorders were associated with several aspects of the post-acute rehabilitation process, including resource use and pain management. These findings may inform the planning and organization of rehabilitation services for patients with mental health challenges.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anja S. Sundet, Solveig L. Hauger, Ingrid A. Havnes , Nada Andelic , Caroline Ustvedt, Grethe Månum , Jeanette Kleven , Catrine Brunborg , Charles H. Bombardier , Jennie Ponsford , Marianne Løvstad
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