Determinants of hospital‐based health service use across the lifespan in cerebral palsy: A retrospective observational study

Aim This study aimed to identify determinants associated with how individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) access hospital‐based health services in Victoria, Australia. Method This was a retrospective observational study interrogating linked administrative health data sets. Data describing service type, access frequency, and individual predisposing and enabling factors were identified for individuals with CP (2019–2023). Factors associated with service use were examined using negative binomial regression models. Results Data describing 284 individuals (mean age 40 years 7 months) were identified. Health service encounters by participants ranged from 1 to 163 times. Living in supported accommodation increased likelihood of accessing any health service (incidence rate ratios [IRR] 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.19) including emergency care (IRR 1.90; 95% CI 1.35–2.68). Whilst younger adults were less likely to access any health service compared to children (IRR 0.67; 95% CI 0.46–0.99), being older increased likelihood of inpatient admission (IRR 2.39; 95% CI 1.65–3.46). Interpretation Living in supported accommodation increased the likelihood of any health service access. Older adults were more likely to access inpatient care, and younger adults were less likely to access any health service. Greater knowledge of how individual predisposing and enabling factors influence service use in geographical contexts, disability complexity, and life course is needed for optimal health outcomes.