Assessing the Distribution and Accessibility of Acute Rehabilitation Beds Across New Jersey: An Analysis of Population, Income, and Regional Disparities

Background and/or Objectives: To test hypotheses that there is a disparity regarding the distribution and accessibility of acute rehab centers in New Jersey

Design: Retrospective Cohort Study

Setting : New Jersey Acute Rehab Centers

Participants : The 21 counties in New Jersey (N=21) were examined based on population size, median family income, and number of acute rehab beds. Descriptive statistics as well as correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Additionally, the 21 counties were assigned to 3 regional groups: North Jersey (N=7), Central Jersey (N=7), and South Jersey (N=7). Chi-squared test was used to evaluate the regional differences.

Interventions: N/a

Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measure for each county includes the population size, median family income, and number of acute rehab beds.

Results: A strong positive correlation (Pearson = 0.672, p < 0.001) was found between population size and number of acute rehab beds in New Jersey while no correlation was seen between median income and rehab beds (Pearson = 0.166, p = 0.473). The mean number of rehab beds per region was: North Jersey (43.14 ± 63.33), Central Jersey (43.71 ± 34.06), and South Jersey (17.43 ± 24.75). The Chi-squared test showed no significant regional differences (p = 0.826). Rehab beds per 100,000 people were similar regionally: North Jersey (5.28 ± 7.25), Central Jersey (7.13 ± 6.97), and South Jersey (6.24 ± 10.29) with no significant difference (p = 0.917).

Conclusions: A strong positive relationship was found between population size and acute rehab beds, with larger counties having more beds. Although there were no significant disparities in rehab beds per 100,000 people (p = 0.917), South Jersey had the fewest beds, indicating a potential shortage. Additionally, there was considerable variability across counties with some reporting no rehab beds.