The Importance of Social Determinants and Primary Care Appointments in Traumatic Injury Follow-Up

After reviewing trauma admissions from 2018 to 2021, researchers found an overall loss to follow-up rate of 36.9%. Non-white patients, those who underwent operations, and individuals discharged to rehabilitation facilities were more likely to attend follow-up appointments within 30 days. Patients with substance use disorder and those with public insurance had higher loss to follow-up rates. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with a primary care provider was the most significant factor associated with attending follow-up appointments.