03/10/2025
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine wanted to look at data to understand what considerations went into getting a consultation with Rehabilitation Doctors when looking at the possibility of Withdrawing Life-Supporting Measures (WLSM) and the timing of such. They looked at over 17,000 Harborview Medical Centers’ electronic health records from 2012-2022.
• 69.4% identified as male
• 73% identified as white
• 91% primarily English-speaking
• 66% used private insurance
• 91% sustained a blunt TBI
Disparities were found in likelihood of Rehabilitation Medicine consultations base on age, with older adults being less likely to receive a consultation. And whether or not Rehabilitation Medicine is consulted has a significant impact on WLSM. Specifically, those who did not receive a consult from Rehabilitation Medicine were more likely to have WLSM
Results highlight the critical importance of Rehabilitation Medicine’s involvement in TBI patient care pathways. They offer more expertise on long-term outcomes, thus likely allowing loved ones to make better informed decisions about WLSM.
Importantly, we want to prevent ableist and ageist perspectives from influencing decisions on who should receive a consultation as we continue to combat biased viewpoints throughout healthcare within the U.S.
Research made possible by support from the Richard H. Adler Attorneys at Law & Adler Giersch Law Firm’s Endowed Professorship Fund
Full poster Title: Intersectional Considerations, Access to Physiatry Consultation, & Withdrawal of Life -Supporting Measures following TBI at a Level-One Trauma Center
Golembo,C., Weishaar, M., Young,R., Junn, C., Mata-Greve, F., Humbert, A., & Starosta, A.
