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Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis 1/2022

01-12-2022 | Surgery | Original Article

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased co-morbidity burden and independently associated with time to surgery, length of hospitalisation, and readmission rates of hip fracture patients

Authors: Khai Cheong Wong, Evan Shern-En Tan, Ming Han Lincoln Liow, Mann Hong Tan, Tet Sen Howe, Suang Bee Koh

Published in: Archives of Osteoporosis | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Summary

This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes of hip fracture patients. Lower socioeconomic status is not only associated with poorer comorbidities but is also independently impacting surgical access and outcomes. This can be considered a “double setback” in the management of hip fractures.

Purpose

The effect of socioeconomic status on hip fracture outcomes remains controversial. We examine the relationship between SES and patient comorbidity, care access, and clinical outcomes of surgically managed hip fracture patients.

Methods

Using healthcare payor status as a surrogate for SES, patients operated for fragility hip fractures between 2013 and 2016 were dichotomised based on payor status, namely private healthcare (PRIV) versus subsidised healthcare (SUB). PRIV patients were compared with SUB patients in terms of demographic data, ASA scores, co-morbidity burden (Charlson comorbidity index, CCI), time to surgery, length of acute hospitalisation, and 90-day readmission rates.

Results

A total of 145 patients in group PRIV and 1146 patients in group SUB were included. SUB patients had a higher mean Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) (p = 0.01), a longer length of hospitalisation (p = 0.001), an increased delay in surgery (p = 0.005), and higher 90-day readmission rates (p = 0.013). Lower SES (p = 0.01), older age (p = 0.01), higher CCI (p < 0.01), and a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (ASA) (p = 0.03) were predictive of time to surgery. Lower SES (p = 0.02) and higher CCI (p < 0.001) were predictive of the length of hospitalisation. Lower SES (p = 0.04) and higher CCI (p < 0.001) were predictive of 90-day readmission rates.

Conclusions

Low SES is associated with higher CCI in surgically treated hip fracture patients. However, it is independently associated with slower access to surgery, a longer hospital stay, and higher readmission rates. Hence, lower SES, with its associated higher CCI and independent impact on surgical access and outcomes, can be considered a “double setback” in the management of fragility hip fractures.
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Metadata
Title
Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased co-morbidity burden and independently associated with time to surgery, length of hospitalisation, and readmission rates of hip fracture patients
Authors
Khai Cheong Wong
Evan Shern-En Tan
Ming Han Lincoln Liow
Mann Hong Tan
Tet Sen Howe
Suang Bee Koh
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
Springer London
Keyword
Surgery
Published in
Archives of Osteoporosis / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1862-3522
Electronic ISSN: 1862-3514
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-022-01182-x

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