Behavioral and demographic predictors of postdischarge outcomes in spinal cord injury.

Functional assessments were made on 39 spinal cord injured persons, during their stay at a comprehensive rehabilitation hospital, to predict behavior at three months after discharge. Subjects reported 24-hour sequences of activities using the Self-Observation and Report Technique (SORT). Demographic and injury-related data were also obtained. During the third month after discharge, participants reported on daily behavior and health status. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that (1) independent behavior (activities without help) in the ward predicted postdischarge independence: (2) number and diversity of activities predicted number of activities after discharge; (3) a combination of four demographic variables predicted number of different locations entered; and (4) three behavioral measures accounted for effects of health problems on daily activities. By predicting which hospitalized clients are likely to have difficulty in some important aspects of their adjustment after discharge, treatment teams may develop strategies for coping with the anticipated difficulties.