Swiss Diagnosis Related Groups: a prospective study in rehabilitation comparing outcome before and after its introduction into acute health care.

Objective: To compare general health and the health-related quality of life of patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after a stay in an acute hospital before and after the introduction of Swiss Diagnosis Related Groups (SwissDRG).

Methods: Consecutively referred patients with disorders of the lower extremities (LEX) or lumbar spine (LS) were evaluated by standardised outcome assessment instruments and for various co-factors. State (at entry to rehabilitation) and change of health (between entry and discharge from rehabilitation) were then compared between the cohorts before and after introduction of SwissDRG.