From the Research
A spinal fracture resulting from an ejection injury with a mortality rate of 10.5% or higher, as reported in the study by 1, may qualify a patient for hospice care, considering the high risk of complications and mortality associated with such injuries. The study by 1 highlights the significance of spinal fractures in ejection injuries, with a pooled mean mortality rate of 10.5% and major injury rates of 29.8%. Key factors to consider in determining hospice eligibility for patients with ejection fractures include:
- The severity of the injury, with spinal fractures being a significant concern
- The patient's overall health status and ability to recover from the injury
- The presence of other life-threatening conditions that may impact the patient's prognosis
- The patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities The study by 1 emphasizes the importance of considering the unique injury patterns associated with ejection injuries, including spinal fractures, and the need for prompt and appropriate medical attention to minimize complications and improve outcomes. In the context of hospice care, the focus is on providing comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses or injuries, rather than curative treatment. Therefore, patients with ejection fractures resulting in spinal injuries with a high mortality rate, significant morbidity, and poor quality of life may be considered for hospice care, as reported in the study by 1.