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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 5/2024

16-03-2024 | REVIEW

Disparities Exist in the Experience of Financial Burden Among Orthopedic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review

Authors: Stephen J. DeMartini, Daniel E. Pereira, Christopher J. Dy

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 5/2024

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

There are substantial costs associated with orthopedic injury and management. These costs are likely not experienced equally among patients. At the level of the healthcare and hospital systems, disparities in financial burden and patient demographics have already been identified among orthopedic trauma patients. Accordingly, disparities may also arise at the level of the patient and how they experience the cost of their care. We sought to determine (1) how patient demographics are associated with financial burden/toxicity and (2) if patients experience disproportionate financial burden/toxicity and social support secondary to their economic standing.

Recent Findings

It has been described that there is an inequitable experience in clinical and economic outcomes in certain socioeconomic demographics leading to disparities in financial burden. It has been further reported that orthopedic injury, management, and outcomes are not experienced equitably among all demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Summary

Ten articles met inclusion criteria, among which financial burden was disproportionately experienced amid orthopedic trauma patients across age, gender, race, education, and marital status. Financial hardship was also unequally distributed among different levels of income, employment, insurance status, and social deprivation. Younger, female, non-White, and unmarried patients experience increased financial burden. Patients with less education, lower income, limited or no insurance, and greater social deprivation disproportionately experienced financial toxicity compared to patients of improved economic standing. Further investigation into policy changes, social support, and barriers to appropriate care should be addressed to prevent unnecessary financial burden and promote greater patient welfare.
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Metadata
Title
Disparities Exist in the Experience of Financial Burden Among Orthopedic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors
Stephen J. DeMartini
Daniel E. Pereira
Christopher J. Dy
Publication date
16-03-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 5/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-024-09890-2