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Diaz A, Pawlik TM. Poverty and Its Impact on Surgical Care. Adv Surg 2024; 58:35-47. [PMID: 39089785 DOI: 10.1016/j.yasu.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
In this article, the authors explore the intricate relationship between poverty and surgical care, underscoring its multifaceted nature and its profound impact on access and outcomes. Poverty extends beyond financial constraints to encompass barriers related to healthcare infrastructure, geographic isolation, education, mental health, and social determinants of health, resulting in persistent disparities in access to high-quality surgical care, especially for those in persistently impoverished areas and access-sensitive surgical conditions. Additionally, the authors delve into the complex intersection of poverty, race, and ethnicity, emphasizing the heightened risks faced by minority patients in surgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Diaz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Quintero LA, Hernandez J, Orduno Villa N, Romero D, Spector C, Ngo L, Shatawi Z, Levene T, Lao O, Parreco JP. Surgical Urgency, Patient Comorbidities, and Socioeconomic Factors in Surgical Site Infections in Pediatric Surgery. Am Surg 2024; 90:2249-2252. [PMID: 38871348 DOI: 10.1177/00031348241260265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rise of value-based purchasing has led to decreased compensation for hospital-acquired conditions, including surgical site infections (SSI). This study aims to assess the risk factors for SSI in children and teenagers undergoing gastrointestinal surgery across US hospitals. METHODS The 2018-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery under the age of 18. The primary outcome was SSI during index admission or readmission within a year. Comparison groups were elective, trauma, and emergent surgery based on anatomic location and urgency. Univariable comparison used chi-squared tests for relevant variables. Confounders were addressed through multivariable logistic regression with significant variables from univariable analysis. RESULTS 113 108 total patients met the study criteria. The SSI rate during admission or readmission was 2.9% (n = 3254). Infections during admission and readmission were 1.4% (n = 1560) and 1.5% (n = 1694), respectively. The most common site was organ space (48.6%, n = 1657). Increased infection risk was associated with trauma (OR 1.80 [1.51-2.16] P < .001), emergency surgery (OR 1.31 [1.17-1.47] P < .001), large bowel surgery (OR 2.78 [2.26-3.43] P < .001), and those with three or more comorbidities (OR 2.03 [1.69-2.45] P < .001). Investor-owned hospitals (OR .65 [.56-.76] P < .001) and highest quartile income (OR .80 [.73-.88] P < .001) were associated with decreased infection risk. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery face an elevated risk of SSI, especially in trauma and emergency surgeries, particularly with multiple comorbidities. Meanwhile, a reduced risk is observed in high-income and investor-owned hospital settings. Hospitals and surgeons caring for high risk patients should advocate for risk adjustment in value-based payment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Hernandez
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Nancy Orduno Villa
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Dino Romero
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Chelsea Spector
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Ngo
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Zaineb Shatawi
- General Surgery Residency, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Tamar Levene
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Oliver Lao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, FL, USA
| | - Joshua P Parreco
- Trauma Critical Care Surgery, Florida Atlantic University, Hollywood, FL, USA
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Van Haren RM, Kovacic MB, Delman AM, Pratt CG, Griffith A, Arbili L, Harvey K, Kohli E, Pai A, Topalian A, Rai SN, Shah SA, Kues J. Disparities Associated with Decision to Undergo Oncologic Surgery: A Prospective Mixed-Methods Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:5757-5764. [PMID: 38869765 PMCID: PMC11300547 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15610-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Underrepresented minority patients with surgical malignancies experience disparities in outcomes. The impact of provider-based factors, including communication, trust, and cultural competency, on outcomes is not well understood. This study examines modifiable provider-based barriers to care experienced by patients with surgical malignancies. METHODS A parallel, prospective, mixed-methods study enrolled patients with lung or gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing surgical consultation. Surveys assessed patients' social needs and patient-physician relationship. Semi-structured interviews ascertained patient experiences and were iteratively analyzed, identifying key themes. RESULTS The cohort included 24 patients (age 62 years; 63% White and 38% Black/African American). The most common cancers were lung (n = 18, 75%) and gastroesophageal (n = 3, 13%). Survey results indicated that food insecurity (n = 5, 21%), lack of reliable transportation (n = 4, 17%), and housing instability (n = 2, 8%) were common. Lack of trust in their physician (n = 3, 13%) and their physician's treatment recommendation (n = 3, 13%) were identified. Patients reported a lack of empathy (n = 3, 13%), lack of cultural competence (n = 3, 13%), and inadequate communication (n = 2, 8%) from physicians. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes regarding the decision to undergo surgery: communication, trust, health literacy, patient fears, and decision-making strategies. Five patients (21%) declined the recommended surgery and were more likely Black (100% vs. 21%), lower income (100% vs. 16%), and reported poor patient-physician relationship (40% vs. 5%; all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with declining recommended cancer surgery were underrepresented minority race and poor patient-physician relationships. Interventions are needed to improve these barriers to care and racial disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Van Haren
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Melinda Butsch Kovacic
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aaron M Delman
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Catherine G Pratt
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Azante Griffith
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lana Arbili
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Krysten Harvey
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Eshika Kohli
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ahna Pai
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alique Topalian
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shesh N Rai
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shimul A Shah
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John Kues
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Tsilimigras DI, Chatzipanagiotou O, Woldesenbet S, Endo Y, Altaf A, Katayama E, Pawlik TM. Practice Patterns and Outcomes Among Surgical Oncology Fellowship Graduates Performing Complex Cancer Surgery in the United States Across Different Career Stages. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:4873-4881. [PMID: 38762637 PMCID: PMC11236932 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practice patterns and potential quality differences among surgical oncology fellowship graduates relative to years of independent practice have not been defined. METHODS Medicare claims were used to identify patients who underwent esophagectomy, pancreatectomy, hepatectomy, or rectal resection for cancer between 2016 and 2021. Surgical oncology fellowship graduates were identified, and the association between years of independent practice, serious complications, and 90-day mortality was examined. RESULTS Overall, 11,746 cancer operations (pancreatectomy [61.2%], hepatectomy [19.5%], rectal resection [13.7%], esophagectomy [5.6%]) were performed by 676 surgical oncology fellowship graduates (females: 17.7%). The operations were performed for 4147 patients (35.3%) by early-career surgeons (1-7 years), for 4104 patients (34.9%) by mid-career surgeons (8-14 years), and for 3495 patients (29.8%) by late-career surgeons (>15 years). The patients who had surgery by early-career surgeons were treated more frequently at a Midwestern (24.9% vs. 14.2%) than at a Northeastern institution (20.6% vs. 26.9%) compared with individuals treated by late-career surgeons (p < 0.05). Surgical oncologists had comparable risk-adjusted serious complications and 90-day mortality rates irrespective of career stage (early career [13.0% and 7.2%], mid-career [12.6% and 6.3%], late career [12.8% and 6.5%], respectively; all p > 0.05). Surgeon case-specific volume independently predicted serious complications across all career stages (high vs. low volume: early career [odds ratio {OR}, 0.80; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.65-0.98]; mid-career [OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66-0.99]; late career [OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.97]). CONCLUSION Among surgical oncology fellowship graduates performing complex cancer surgery, rates of serious complications and 90-day mortality were comparable between the early-career and mid/late-career stages. Individual surgeon case-specific volume was strongly associated with postoperative outcomes irrespective of years of independent practice or career stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Odysseas Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abdullah Altaf
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erryk Katayama
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Yang J, Endo Y, Munir MM, Woldesenbet S, Altaf A, Limkemann A, Schenk A, Washburn K, Pawlik TM. Waitlist Time, Age, and Social Vulnerability: Impact on the Survival Benefit of Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation Versus Long-term Dialysis Among Patients With End-stage Renal Disease. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00807. [PMID: 38995240 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to define the survival benefit of kidney transplantation versus long-term dialysis relative to waitlist time on dialysis, social vulnerability, and age among end-stage renal transplant candidates. METHODS End-stage renal disease patients who were candidates for their first deceased donor kidney transplantation between 2008 and 2020 were identified using the US Renal Data System. Survival probabilities for patient survival were compared using the restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) across different age and social vulnerability index (SVI) ranges. RESULTS Among 149 923 patients, 68 795 (45.9%) patients underwent a kidney transplant and 81 128 (54.1%) remained on dialysis. After propensity-score matching (n = 58 035 in each cohort), the 5-y RMST difference between kidney transplant and dialysis demonstrated an increasing trend in mean life-years gained within 5 y of follow-up relative to advancing age (<30 y: 0.40 y, 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.44 y versus >70 y: 0.75 y, 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.80 y). Conversely, disparities in 5-y RMSTs remained consistent relative to social vulnerability (median 5-y RMST difference: 0.62 y comparing low versus high SVI). When considering waitlist duration, stratified analyses demonstrated increasing trends across different age groups with the largest RMST differences observed among older patients aged ≥70 y. Notably, longer waitlist durations (>3 y) yielded more pronounced RMST differences compared with shorter durations (<1 y). CONCLUSIONS These data underscore the survival benefit associated with kidney transplantation over long-term dialysis across various age and SVI ranges. Transplantation demonstrated a greater advantage among older patients who had a longer waitlist duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Muhammad Musaab Munir
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Abdulla Altaf
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Ashley Limkemann
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Austin Schenk
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Kenneth Washburn
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
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Myers S, Kenzik K, Allee L, Dechert T, Theodore S, Jaffe A, Sanchez SE. Social Determinants of Health Associated With the Need for Urgent Versus Elective Cholecystectomy at an Urban, Safety-Net Hospital. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2024; 25:101-108. [PMID: 38301176 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2023.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Benign gallstone disease is the most frequent indication for cholecystectomy in the United States. Many patients present with complicated disease requiring urgent interventions, which increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated the association between individual and population-level social determinants of health (SDoH) with urgent versus elective cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: All patients undergoing cholecystectomy (2014-2021) for benign gallstone disease were included. Demographic and clinical data were linked to population-level SDoH characteristics using census tracts. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 3,197 patients met inclusion criteria; 1,913 (59.84%) underwent urgent cholecystectomy, 1,204 (37.66%) underwent emergent cholecystectomy, and 80 (2.5%) underwent interval cholecystectomy. On multinomial logistic regression, patients who were older (relative risk [RR], 1.010; p < 0.001), black (RR, 1.634; p = 0.008), and living in census tracts with a higher percent of poverty (RR, 0.017; p = 0.021) had a higher relative risk of presenting for urgent cholecystectomy. Patients who were female (RR, 0.462; p < 0.001), had a primary care provider (PCP; RR, 0.821; p = 0.018), and lived in census tracts with low supermarket access (RR, 0.764; p = 0.038) had a lower relative risk of presenting for urgent cholecystectomy. Only age (RR, 1.066; p < 0.001), female gender (RR, 0.227; p < 0.001), and having a PCP (RR, 1.984; p = 0.034) were associated with presentation for interval cholecystectomy. Conclusions: Patients who were older, black, and living in census tracts with high poverty levels had a higher relative risk of presenting for urgent cholecystectomy at our institution, whereas females and patients with PCPs were more likely to undergo elective cholecystectomy. Improved access to primary care and surgical clinics for all patients at safety-net hospitals may result in improved outcomes in the management of benign gallstone disease by increasing diagnosis and treatment in the elective setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Myers
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kelly Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa Allee
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracey Dechert
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheina Theodore
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abraham Jaffe
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina E Sanchez
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Del Brutto OH, Mera RM, Rumbea DA, Sedler MJ. The Impact of Biological and Social Factors on Mortality in Older Adults Living in Rural Communities. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241228123. [PMID: 38263729 PMCID: PMC10807323 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241228123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on factors that increase mortality in remote settings is limited. This study aims to estimate the independent and joint role of several factors on mortality risk among older adults living in rural Ecuador. METHODS Participants were selected from community-dwelling older adults who were included in previous studies targeting mortality risk factors in the study population. Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) was utilized to evaluate prior causal assumptions, to redraw causal links, and to introduce latent variables that may help to explain how the independently significant variables are associated with mortality. RESULTS The study included 590 individuals (mean age: 67.9 ± 7.3 years; 57% women), followed for a median of 8.2 years. Mortality rate was 3.4 per 100 person-years. Prior work on separate multivariate Poisson and Cox models was used to build a tentative causal construct. A GSEM containing all variables showed that age, symptoms of depression, high social risk, high fasting glucose, a history of overt stroke, and neck circumference were directly associated with mortality. Two latent variables were introduced, 1 representing the impact of biological factors and another, the impact of social factors on mortality. The social variable significantly influenced the biological variable which carried most of the direct effect on mortality. CONCLUSIONS Several factors contributed to mortality risk in the study population, the most significant being biological factors which are highly influenced by social factors. High social risk interact with biological variables and play an important role in mortality risk.
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