Hospitalization of injured immigrants in Poland - Utilization of in-patient services.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: In 2008-2010, the number of foreigners hospitalized due to injuries in Poland ranged from approximately 5-21 thousand. The aim of this study was to analyse the utilization of in-patient services by injured immigrants in 2008-2010, including mode of admission (i.e. referral), mode of discharge, average length of patient stay, seasonality and spatial distribution of hospital admissions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis was conducted on the basis of data from the General Hospital Morbidity Study. All cases of hospitalization due to injuries were covered by the analysis, and a group of foreigners was compared to the general population.

RESULTS: The percentage of immigrants admitted by acute admission through self-referral increased to 80.9% in 2010. The great majority (79.4%) were discharged to in-patient care. The immigrants' stay in the hospital was approximately twice as short than that of an average patient with injury. Immigrants and the rest of the patients were admitted to hospitals in different seasonal rhythm. The great majority of foreigners were treated in hospitals located in two (out of 16) provinces.

CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the need for understanding the immigrant experience when accessing health care, as well as the need for further research and contribution of public health.