1
|
Mora R, Maze M. The role of cultural competency training to address health disparities in surgical settings. Br Med Bull 2024; 150:42-59. [PMID: 38465857 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in health care delivered to marginalized groups are unjust and result in poor health outcomes that increase the cost of care for everyone. These disparities are largely avoidable and health care providers, have been targeted with education and specialised training to address these disparities. SOURCES OF DATA In this manuscript we have sought out both peer-reviewed material on Pubmed, as well as policy statements on the potential role of cultural competency training (CCT) for providers in the surgical care setting. The goal of undertaking this work was to determine whether there is evidence that these endeavours are effective at reducing disparities. AREAS OF AGREEMENT The unjustness of health care disparities is universally accepted. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Whether the outcome of CCT justifies the cost has not been effectively answered. GROWING POINTS These include the structure/content of the CCT and whether the training should be delivered to teams in the surgical setting. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Because health outcomes are affected by many different inputs, should the effectiveness of CCT be improvement in health outcomes or should we use a proxy or a surrogate of health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mora
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Mervyn Maze
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Andrist E, Clarke RG, Phelps KB, Dews AL, Rodenbough A, Rose JA, Zurca AD, Lawal N, Maratta C, Slain KN. Understanding Disparities in the Pediatric ICU: A Scoping Review. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063415. [PMID: 38639640 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Health disparities are pervasive in pediatrics. We aimed to describe disparities among patients who are likely to be cared for in the PICU and delineate how sociodemographic data are collected and categorized. METHODS Using MEDLINE as a data source, we identified studies which included an objective to assess sociodemographic disparities among PICU patients in the United States. We created a review rubric, which included methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis, outcome and exposure variables assessed, and study findings. Two authors reviewed every study. We used the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to organize outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS The 136 studies included used variable methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis. A total of 30 of 124 studies (24%) assessing racial disparities used self- or parent-identified race. More than half of the studies (52%) dichotomized race as white and "nonwhite" or "other" in some analyses. Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators also varied; only insurance status was used in a majority of studies (72%) evaluating SES. Consistent, although not uniform, disadvantages existed for racial minority populations and patients with indicators of lower SES. The authors of only 1 study evaluated an intervention intended to mitigate health disparities. Requiring a stated objective to evaluate disparities aimed to increase the methodologic rigor of included studies but excluded some available literature. CONCLUSIONS Variable, flawed methodologies diminish our understanding of disparities in the PICU. Meaningfully understanding and addressing health inequity requires refining how we collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Andrist
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Departments of Pediatrics
| | - Rachel G Clarke
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Kayla B Phelps
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Alyssa L Dews
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Susan B. Meister Child Health and Adolescent Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Anna Rodenbough
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jerri A Rose
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Adrian D Zurca
- Division of Critical Care, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nurah Lawal
- Stepping Stones Pediatric Palliative Care Program, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Departments of Pediatrics
| | - Christina Maratta
- Department of Critical Care, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine N Slain
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wells CI, Bhat S, Xu W, Varghese C, Keane C, Baraza W, O'Grady G, Harmston C, Bissett IP. Variation in the definition of 'failure to rescue' from postoperative complications: a systematic review and recommendations for outcome reporting. Surgery 2024; 175:1103-1110. [PMID: 38245447 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure to rescue is the rate of death amongst patients with postoperative complications and has been proposed as a perioperative quality indicator. However, variation in its definition has limited comparisons between studies. We systematically reviewed all surgical literature reporting failure to rescue rates and examined variations in the definition of the 'numerator,' 'denominator,' and timing of failure to rescue measurement. METHODS Databases were searched from inception to 31 December 2022. All studies reporting postoperative failure to rescue rates as a primary or secondary outcome were included. We examined the complications included in the failure to rescue denominator, the percentage of deaths captured by the failure to rescue numerator, and the timing of measurement for complications and mortality. RESULTS A total of 359 studies, including 212,048,069 patients, were analyzed. The complications included in the failure to rescue denominator were reported in 295 studies (82%), with 131 different complications used. The median number of included complications per study was 10 (interquartile range 8-15). Studies that included a higher number of complications in the failure-to-rescue denominator reported lower failure-to-rescue rates. Death was included as a complication in the failure to rescue the denominator in 65 studies (18%). The median percentage of deaths captured by the failure to rescue calculation when deaths were not included in the denominator was 79%. Complications (52%) and mortality (40%) were mostly measured in-hospital, followed by 30-days after surgery. CONCLUSION Failure to rescue is an important concept in the study of postoperative outcomes, although its definition is highly variable and poorly reported. Researchers should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to defining failure to rescue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron I Wells
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Sameer Bhat
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora MidCentral, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - William Xu
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - Chris Varghese
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of General Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Celia Keane
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - Wal Baraza
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Greg O'Grady
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris Harmston
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei, New Zealand
| | - Ian P Bissett
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Surgery, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rangrass G, Obiyo L, Bradley AS, Brooks A, Estime SR. Closing the gap: Perioperative health care disparities and patient safety interventions. Int Anesthesiol Clin 2024; 62:41-47. [PMID: 38385481 DOI: 10.1097/aia.0000000000000439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Govind Rangrass
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Saint Louis University Hospital/SSM Health, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Leziga Obiyo
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anthony S Bradley
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of South Florida Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amber Brooks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Stephen R Estime
- Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Warren J, Gibbs A, Mpody C, Nafiu OO, Tobias JD, Willer BL. Failure to rescue following postoperative pneumonia in pediatrics: Is there a racial disparity? Paediatr Anaesth 2024; 34:220-224. [PMID: 38055569 DOI: 10.1111/pan.14815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racial disparities in measures of health and healthcare processes are well described. Limited work exists on disparities in failure to rescue - hospital mortality following a major adverse event. Postoperative pneumonia is a serious, potentially preventable adverse event that often leads to death, i.e., failure to rescue. This study examined the association of racial grouping with failure to rescue following postoperative pneumonia. METHODS We utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics Participant Use Data File to assemble a cohort of children <18 years who underwent inpatient surgery from 2012 to 2022. We included Black and White patients who developed pneumonia following an index surgery. The primary outcome was failure to rescue, defined as mortality following postoperative pneumonia. We used logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals of failure to rescue, comparing Black and White children. RESULTS The study cohort included 3139 children <18 years who developed pneumonia following inpatient surgery. Of those, 2333 (74.3%) were White and 806 (25.7%) were Black. Failure to rescue occurred in 117 of the children (3.7%); 82 were White (3.5%) and 35 were Black (4.3%). After adjusting for gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification, emergent/urgent vs. elective case status, year of operation, and pre-existing comorbidities, the odds of failure to rescue for Black children with postoperative pneumonia did not differ from White children (adjusted-Odds Ratio: 1.00; 95% Confidence Interval 0.62-1.61; p-value = .992). CONCLUSION We found no significant difference in the odds of failure to rescue following postoperative pneumonia between Black or White children. To improve postoperative care for all children and to narrow the racial gap in postoperative mortality, future studies should continue to investigate the association of race with failure to rescue following other postoperative complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jalen Warren
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin Campus and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Anna Gibbs
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alabbadi S, Rowe G, Gill G, Chikwe J, Egorova N. Racial Disparities in Failure to Rescue after Pediatric Heart Surgeries in the US. J Pediatr 2024; 264:113734. [PMID: 37739060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the trend in failure to rescue (FTR) and risk factors contributing to racial disparities in FTR after pediatric heart surgery using contemporary nationwide data. STUDY DESIGN We identified 85 267 congenital heart surgeries in patients <18 years of age from 2009 to 2019 using the Kid's Inpatient Database. The primary outcome was FTR. A mixed-effect logistic regression model with hospital random intercept was used to identify independent predictors of FTR. RESULTS Among 36 753 surgeries with postoperative complications, the FTR was 7.3%. The FTR decreased from 7.4% in 2009 to 6.3% in 2019 (P = .02). FTR was higher among Black than White children for all years. The FTR was higher among girls (7.2%) vs boys (6.6%), children aged <1 (9.6%) vs 12-17 years (2.4%), and those of Black (8.5%) vs White race (5.9%) (all P < .05). Black race was associated with a higher FTR odds (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.20-1.65) after adjusting for demographics, medical complexity, nonelective admission, and hospital surgical volume. Higher hospital volume was associated with a lower odds of FTR for all racial groups, but fewer Black (19.7%) vs White (31%) children underwent surgery at high surgical volume hospitals (P < .001). If Black children were operated on in the same hospitals as White children, the racial differences in FTR would decrease by 47.3%. CONCLUSIONS Racial disparities exist in FTR after pediatric heart surgery in the US. The racial differences in the location of care may account for almost half the disparities in FTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sundos Alabbadi
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Georgina Rowe
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - George Gill
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joanna Chikwe
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Natalia Egorova
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Willer BL, Mpody C, Nafiu O, Tobias JD. Racial Disparities in Pediatric Mortality Following Transfusion Within 72 Hours of Operation. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:2429-2434. [PMID: 37652843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative bleeding and transfusion are correlated with mortality risk. Furthermore, postoperative bleeding may often initiate the cascade of complications that leads to death. Given that minority children have increased risk of surgical complications, this study aimed to investigate the association of race with pediatric surgical mortality following postoperative transfusion. METHODS We used the NSQIP-P PUF to assemble a retrospective cohort of children <18 who underwent inpatient surgery during 2012-2021. We included White, Black, Hispanic, and 'Other' children who received a transfusion within 72 h of surgery. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality within 30 days following the primary surgical procedure. Using logistic regression models, we estimated the risk-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of mortality, comparing each racial/ethnic cohort to White children. RESULTS A total of 466,230 children <18 years of age underwent inpatient surgical procedures from 2012 to 2021. Of these, 46,200 required transfusion and were included in our analysis. The majority of patients were non-Hispanic White (64.6%, n = 29,850), while 18.9% (n = 8752) were non-Hispanic Black, 11.7% (n = 5387) were Hispanic, and 4.8% (n = 2211) were 'Other' race. The overall rate of mortality following transfusion was 2.5%. White children had the lowest incidence of mortality (2.0%), compared to children of 'Other' race (2.5%), Hispanic children (3.1%), and Black children (3.6%). After adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, case status, preoperative transfusion within 48 h, and year of operation, we found that Black children experienced 1.24 times the odds of mortality following a postoperative transfusion compared to a White child (aOR: 1.24; 95%CI, 1.03-1.51; P = 0.025). Hispanic children were also significantly more likely to die following a postoperative transfusion than White children (aOR: 1.19; 95%CI, 1.02-1.39; P = 0.027). CONCLUSION We found that minority children who required a postoperative transfusion had a higher odds of death than White children. Future studies should explore adverse events following postoperative transfusion and the differences in their management by race that may contribute to the higher mortality rate for minority children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER AND REGISTRY Not applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Willer BL, Alalade E, Toledo P, Jimenez N. Pro-Con Debate: Perioperative Research Should Be Color-Blind. Anesth Analg 2023; 137:967-972. [PMID: 37862397 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Profound racial and ethnic disparities have been documented in health and health care outcomes in recent decades. Some researchers have erroneously ascribed these inequities to biological variations, prompting debate as to how, or even if, race and ethnicity should be included as an outcome variable. Color blindness is a racial ideology with roots in constitutional law that posits that equality is best achieved by disregarding the racial and ethnic characteristics of the individual. Color consciousness, in contrast, approaches disparities with the knowledge that experiences related to one's race and ethnicity influence an individual's health and well-being. In this Pro-Con commentary article, we discuss the concept of color blindness and debate its use as an approach in medicine and research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- From the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Emmanuel Alalade
- Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Paloma Toledo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nathalia Jimenez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mpody C, Kemper AR, Aldrink JH, Michalsky MP, Tobias JD, Nafiu OO. Trends and Economic Implications of Disparities in Postoperative Pneumonia. Pediatrics 2023; 151:e2022058774. [PMID: 37057490 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative pneumonia is the third most common surgical complication and can seriously impair surgical rehabilitation and lead to related morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the temporal trends in racial and ethnic disparities in postoperative pneumonia and quantified the economic burden resulting from these inequalities in the United States. METHODS This population-based study includes 195 028 children (weighted to 964 679) admitted for elective surgery across 5340 US hospitals reporting to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2010 and 2018. We estimated the risk-adjusted incidence of postoperative pneumonia, comparing racial and ethnic groups. We also quantified the inflation-adjusted hospital costs attributable to racial and ethnic disparities in postoperative pneumonia. RESULTS The risk-adjusted rates of pneumonia declined across all racial and ethnic categories, with Black children having the lowest annual rate of decline (Black: 0.03 percentage points, Hispanic: 0.05 percentage points, white: 0.05 percentage points). The risk-adjusted rates of pneumonia trended consistently higher for Black and Hispanic children, relative to white children, throughout the study period (Black versus white: relative risk, 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.51), P < .01; Hispanic versus white: relative risk, 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.32), P = .02). These disparities did not narrow significantly over time. During the study period, the excess hospitalization cost attributable to racial and ethnic disparities in postoperative pneumonia was $24 533 458 for Black children and $26 200 783 for Hispanic children (total, $50 734 241). CONCLUSIONS Against the backdrop of decreasing postoperative pneumonia, Black and Hispanic children continue to experience higher rates compared with white children. These persistent disparities in postoperative pneumonia were associated with considerable excess cost of surgical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mpody
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alex R Kemper
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer H Aldrink
- General Pediatric Surgery
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Marc P Michalsky
- General Pediatric Surgery
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sferra SR, Salvi PS, Penikis AB, Weller JH, Canner JK, Guo M, Engwall-Gill AJ, Rhee DS, Collaco JM, Keiser AM, Solomon DG, Kunisaki SM. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Outcomes Among Newborns with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2310800. [PMID: 37115544 PMCID: PMC10148194 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.10800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance There is some data to suggest that racial and ethnic minority infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have poorer clinical outcomes. Objective To determine what patient- and institutional-level factors are associated with racial and ethnic differences in CDH mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter cohort study of 49 US children's hospitals using the Pediatric Health Information System database from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Participants were patients with CDH admitted on day of life 0 who underwent surgical repair. Patient race and ethnicity were guardian-reported vs hospital assigned as Black, Hispanic (White or Black), or White. Data were analyzed from August 2021 to March 2022. Exposures Patient race and ethnicity: (1) White vs Black and (2) White vs Hispanic; and institutional-level diversity (as defined by the percentage of Black and Hispanic patients with CDH at each hospital): (1) 30% or less, (2) 31% to 40%, and (3) more than 40%. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were in-hospital and 60-day mortality. The study hypothesized that hospitals managing a more racially and ethnically diverse population of patients with CDH would be associated with lower mortality among Black and Hispanic infants. Results Among 1565 infants, 188 (12%), 306 (20%), and 1071 (68%) were Black, Hispanic, and White, respectively. Compared with White infants, Black infants had significantly lower gestational ages (mean [SD], White: 37.6 [2] weeks vs Black: 36.6 [3] weeks; difference, 1 week; 95% CI for difference, 0.6-1.4; P < .001), lower birthweights (White: 3.0 [1.0] kg vs Black: 2.7 [1.0] kg; difference, 0.3 kg; 95% CI for difference, 0.2-0.4; P < .001), and higher extracorporeal life support use (White: 316 patients [30%] vs Black: 69 patients [37%]; χ21 = 3.9; P = .05). Black infants had higher 60-day (White: 99 patients [9%] vs Black: 29 patients [15%]; χ21 = 6.7; P = .01) and in-hospital (White: 133 patients [12%] vs Black: 40 patients [21%]; χ21 = 10.6; P = .001) mortality . There were no mortality differences in Hispanic patients compared with White patients. On regression analyses, institutional diversity of 31% to 40% in Black patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.78; P = .02) and diversity greater than 40% in Hispanic patients (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.89; P = .03) were associated with lower mortality without altering outcomes in White patients. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 1565 who underwent surgical repair patients with CDH, Black infants had higher 60-day and in-hospital mortality after adjusting for disease severity. Hospitals treating a more racially and ethnically diverse patient population were associated with lower mortality in Black and Hispanic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelby R. Sferra
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pooja S. Salvi
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Annalise B. Penikis
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennine H. Weller
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph K. Canner
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Matthew Guo
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Abigail J. Engwall-Gill
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel S. Rhee
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph M. Collaco
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amaris M. Keiser
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel G. Solomon
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shaun M. Kunisaki
- Division of General Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Smith CJ, Raval MV, Simon MA, Henry MCW. Addressing pediatric surgical health inequities through quality improvement efforts. Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151280. [PMID: 37147217 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Concepts of healthcare quality and health equity should be inextricably linked but are often pursued separately. Quality improvement (QI) can serve as a powerful means to eliminate health inequities by adopting an equity-focused lens to diagnose and address baseline disparities among pediatric populations using targeted interventions. QI and pediatric surgery practitioners should integrate concepts of equity at every stage of formulating a QI project including conceptualization, planning, and execution. Early adaptation of an equity conscious perspective using QI methodology can prevent exacerbation of preexisting disparities while improving overall outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charesa J Smith
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Quality Improvement, Research, & Education in Surgery, Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Quality Improvement, Research, & Education in Surgery, Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Melissa A Simon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Health Equity Transformation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marion C W Henry
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Do Racial and Ethnic Disparities Exist in Management of Pediatric Mandible Fractures? A 30-Year Outcome Analysis. Ann Plast Surg 2023. [DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
|
13
|
Outcomes for unplanned reinterventions following paediatric cardiac surgery for tetralogy of Fallot. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:1592-1597. [PMID: 34839836 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121004571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in surgical techniques and post-operative management of children with CHD have significantly lowered mortality rates. Unplanned cardiac interventions are a significant complication with implications on morbidity and mortality. METHODS We conducted a single-centre retrospective case-control study for patients (<18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery for repair of Tetralogy of Fallot between January 2009 and December 2019. Data included patient characteristics, operative variables and outcomes. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for reintervention of Tetralogy of Fallot after cardiac surgery. The secondary outcome was to examine the incidence of long-term morbidity and mortality in those who underwent unplanned reinterventions. RESULTS During the study period 29 patients (6.8%) underwent unplanned reintervention, and were matched to 58 patients by age, weight and sex. Median age was 146 days, and median weight was 5.8 kg. Operative mortality was 7%, and 1-year survival was 86% for the entire cohort (cases and controls). Hispanic patients were more likely to have reinterventions (p = 0.04) in the unadjusted analysis, while Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American (p = 0.01) in the multi-variate analysis. Patients that underwent reintervention were more likely to have post-op arrhythmia, genetic syndromes and higher operative and 1-year mortality (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Unplanned cardiac interventions following Tetralogy of Fallot repair are common, and associated with increased operative, and 1-year mortality. Race, genetic syndromes and post-operative arrhythmia are associated with increased odds of unplanned reinterventions. Future studies are needed to identify modifiable risk factors to minimise unplanned reinterventions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Willer BL, Tobias JD, Suttle ML, Nafiu OO, Mpody C. Trends of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pediatric Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. Pediatrics 2022; 150:188786. [PMID: 35979730 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-054955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), eminently preventable nosocomial infections, are a substantial source of morbidity, mortality, and increased resource utilization in pediatric care. Racial or ethnic disparities in health outcomes have been demonstrated across an array of medical specialties and practices in pediatric patients. However, it is unknown whether disparities exist in the rate of CLABSIs. Our objective was to evaluate the trends in racial and ethnic disparities of CLABSIs over the past 5 years. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study using data from Pediatric Health Information System database collected from tertiary children's hospitals in the United States. Participants included 226 802 children (<18 years) admitted to the emergency department or inpatient ward between 2016 and 2021 who required central venous catheter placement. The primary outcome was risk-adjusted rate of CLABSI, occurring during the same admission, across race and ethnicity. RESULTS Of the 226 802 children, 121 156 (53.4%) were White, 40 589 (17.9%) were Black, and 43 374 (19.1%) were Hispanic. CLABSI rate decreased in all racial/ethnic groups over the study period, with the rates being consistently higher in Black (relative risk [RR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.37; P < .01) and Hispanic children (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.26; P < .01) than in White children. There was no statistically significant evidence that gaps in CLABSI rate between racial/ethnic groups narrowed over time. CONCLUSIONS CLABSI rate was persistently higher among Black and Hispanic children than their White peers. These findings emphasize the need for future exploration of the causes of persistent racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Markita L Suttle
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Buchanan R, Roy N, Parra MF, Staffa SJ, Brown ML, Nasr VG. Race and Outcomes in Patients with Congenital Cardiac Disease in an Enhanced Recovery Program. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022; 36:3603-3609. [PMID: 35577651 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disparities in perioperative outcomes exist. In addition to patient and socioeconomic factors, racial disparities in outcome measures may be related to issues at the provider and institutional levels. Recognizing a potential role of standardized care in mitigating provider bias, this study aims to compare the perioperative sedation and pain management and consequent outcomes in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) cardiac patients of different races undergoing congenital heart surgery at a single quaternary children's hospital. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING A single quaternary pediatric hospital. PARTICIPANTS Patients, infants to adults, undergoing elective congenital cardiac surgery and enrolled in the ERAS protocol from October 2018 to December 2020. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of the patients, 872 were reviewed and 606 with race information were analyzed. There was no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative oral morphine equivalent, perioperative sedatives, and regional blockade in Asian or African American patients when compared to White patients. Postoperative pain scores and outcomes among African American and Asian races were also not statistically different when compared to White patients. CONCLUSIONS Racial disparity in perioperative management and outcomes in patients with standardized ERAS protocols does not exist at the authors' institution. Future comparative studies of ERAS noncardiac patients may provide additional information on the role of standardization in reducing implicit bias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rica Buchanan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Nathalie Roy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - M Fernanda Parra
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Steven J Staffa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Morgan L Brown
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Viviane G Nasr
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Willer BL, Mpody C, Tobias JD, Nafiu OO. Association of Race and Family Socioeconomic Status With Pediatric Postoperative Mortality. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e222989. [PMID: 35302629 PMCID: PMC8933731 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.2989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Racial disparities in postoperative outcomes have remained difficult to eliminate. It is commonly understood that socioeconomic status (SES) is an important factor associated with excess risk of postoperative morbidity and death. To date, comparable data exploring the association of family SES with pediatric postoperative mortality are unavailable, and it is unknown whether the advantage provided by higher income status is equitable across racial groups. OBJECTIVE To assess whether increasing family SES is associated with lower pediatric postoperative mortality and, if so, whether this association is equitable among Black and White children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study used data from 51 freestanding pediatric tertiary care hospitals across the US that reported to the Children's Hospital Association Pediatric Health Information System. The study included 1 378 111 Black and White children younger than 18 years who underwent inpatient surgical procedures between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2020. EXPOSURES The exposures of interest were race (Black and White) and parental income quartile (used as a proxy for SES and measured by median income quartile of the zip code of residence). Race was self-reported by parents or guardians at admission or assessed by the registration team consistent with each hospital's policy and state legislation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates by race and parental income quartile controlled for baseline covariates. To evaluate whether belonging to the highest income quartile modified the association between race and postoperative mortality, multiplicative and additive interactions were examined. RESULTS Among 1 378 111 children (773 364 [56.1%] male; mean [SD] age, 7 [6] years) who received inpatient surgical procedures during the study period, 248 464 children (18.0%) were Black, and 1 129 647 children (82.0%) were White; 211 127 children (15.3%) were Hispanic, and 825 477 (59.9%) were non-Hispanic. Only 49 541 Black children (20.3%) belonged to the highest income quartile compared with 482 758 White children (43.0%). The overall mortality rate was 1.2%, and mortality rates decreased as income quartile increased (1.4% in quartile 1 [lowest income], 1.3% in quartile 2, 1.0% in quartile 3, and 0.9% in quartile 4 [highest income]; P < .001). Among those belonging to the 3 lowest income quartiles, Black children had 33% higher odds of postoperative death compared with White children (adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.27-1.39; P < .001). This racial disparity gap persisted among children belonging to the highest income quartile (adjusted odds ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.25-1.54; P < .001). Postoperative mortality rates among Black children in the highest income quartile (1.30%; 95% CI, 1.19%-1.42%) were comparable to those of White children in the lowest income quartile (1.20%; 95% CI, 1.16%-1.25%). The interaction between Black race and income was not statistically significant on either the multiplicative scale (β for interaction = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.93-1.17; P = .45) or the additive scale (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.01; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.11; P > .99), suggesting no reduction in the disparity gap across increasing income levels. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, increasing SES was associated with lower pediatric postoperative mortality. However, postoperative mortality rates were significantly higher among Black children in the highest SES category compared with White children in the same category, and mortality rates among Black children in the highest SES category were comparable to those of White children in the lowest SES category. These findings suggest that increasing family SES did not provide equitable advantage to Black compared with White children, and interventions that target socioeconomic inequities alone may not fully address persistent racial disparities in pediatric postoperative mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Willer BL, Mpody C, Thakkar RK, Tobias JD, Nafiu OO. Association of Race With Postoperative Mortality Following Major Abdominopelvic Trauma in Children. J Surg Res 2022; 269:178-188. [PMID: 34571261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leading cause of mortality among children is trauma. Race and ethnicity are critical determinants of pediatric postsurgical outcomes, with minority children generally experiencing higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality than White children. This pattern of poorer outcomes for racial and/or ethnic minority children has also been demonstrated in children with head and limb traumas. While injuries to the abdomen and pelvis are not as common, they can be life-threatening. Racial and/or ethnic differences in outcomes of pediatric abdominopelvic operative traumas have not been examined. Our objective was to determine whether disparities exist in postoperative mortality among children with major abdominopelvic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database for 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. Patients were included if they were < 18 years, sustained a major abdominopelvic injury, and underwent subsequent surgical intervention. Our primary outcome was inpatient mortality, comparing children of different race and/or ethnicity. RESULTS We identified a weighted cohort of 13,955 children, of whom 6765 (48.5%) were White, 3614 (25.9%) Black, and 2647 (19.0%) Hispanic. After adjusting for covariates, Black children were 94% more likely to die than their White peers (3.3% versus 1.6%, adjusted-RR:1.94, 95%CI: 1.33-2.82, P = 0.001). Hispanic children (adjusted-RR:1.99, 95%CI: 1.36-2.91, P < 0.001) and those of other race and/or ethnicity (adjusted-RR: 2.02, 95%CI:1.20-3.40, P = 0.008) were also more likely to die compared to their White peers. CONCLUSIONS Black and Hispanic children who require operative intervention following major abdominopelvic trauma have a higher risk of postoperative mortality compared with White children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rajan K Thakkar
- Department of General Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mpody C, Willer B, Owusu-Bediako E, Kemper AR, Tobias JD, Nafiu OO. Economic Trends of Racial Disparities in Pediatric Postappendectomy Complications. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-051328. [PMID: 34531291 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite unparalleled advances in perioperative medicine, surgical outcomes remain poor for racial minority patients relative to their white counterparts. Little is known about the excess costs to the health care system related to these disparities. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2001 and 2018. We included children younger than 18 years admitted with appendicitis who underwent an appendectomy during their hospital stay. We examined the inflation-adjusted hospital costs attributable to the racial disparities in surgical complications and perforation status, focusing on differences between non-Hispanic white patients and non-Hispanic Black patients. RESULTS We included 100 639 children who underwent appendectomy, of whom 89.9% were non-Hispanic white and 10.1% were non-Hispanic Black. Irrespective of perforation status at presentation, surgical complications were consistently higher for Black compared with white children, with no evidence of narrowing of the racial disparity gap over time. Black children consistently incurred higher hospital costs (median difference: $629 [95% confidence interval: $500-$758; P < .01). The total inflation-adjusted hospital costs for Black children were $518 658 984, and $59 372 044 (11.41%) represented the excess because of the racial disparities in perforation rates. CONCLUSIONS Although all patients had a progressive decline in post appendectomy complications, Black children consistently had higher rates of complications and perforation, imposing a significant economic burden. We provide an empirical economic argument for sustained efforts to reduce racial disparities in pediatric surgical outcomes, notwithstanding that eliminating these disparities is simply the right thing to do.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mpody
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine .,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Brittany Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ekua Owusu-Bediako
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alex R Kemper
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Primary Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olubukola O Nafiu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.,College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Armstead V, Bucklin B, Bustillo M, Hastie MJ, Lane-Fall M, Lee A, Leffert L, Mackensen GB, Minhaj M, Sakai T, Straker T, Thenuwara K, Whitlock E, Whittington R, Wiener-Kronish J, Wong C. On the Importance of Language in Reports Discussing Racial Inequities. Anesth Analg 2021; 132:e117-e118. [PMID: 34032683 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Armstead
- Leadership Advisory Board, Association of University Anesthesiologists, San Francisco, California,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Willer BL, Mpody C, Tobias JD, Nafiu OO. In Response. Anesth Analg 2021; 132:e118-e119. [PMID: 34032684 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Willer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Webber AM, Willer BL. Obesity, Race, and Perioperative Complications. CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40140-021-00458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
23
|
Nasr VG, DiNardo JA. Racial Disparities in Perioperative Outcomes in Children: Where Do We Go From Here? Anesth Analg 2021; 132:676-678. [PMID: 33591091 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane G Nasr
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | |
Collapse
|