Racial Disparities in Rescheduling Elective Surgeries Following COVID-19

Authors

Anna H. Kang, Wayne State University School of MedicineFollow
Benjamin M. Sims, Wayne State University School of MedicineFollow
Charles S. Day, Henry Ford Health System, Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryFollow

Research Mentor Name

Charles S. Day, M.D., M.B.A.

Research Mentor Email Address

cday9@hfhs.org

Institution / Department

Henry Ford Health System, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

clinicalresearch

Level of Research

no

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, healthcare systems were mandated to cancel elective procedures as a public health safety measure. This study aimed to evaluate subsequent rescheduling in relation to patients’ interpreted risks of receiving care and reported discrepancies of the COVID-19 pandemic’s direct impacts on minority populations.

METHODS:

An orthopedic surgery research consortium developed a clinical survey to assess the impact of elective surgery cancellations on patients. Topics included demographics, cancellation sentiments, and rescheduling preferences (“ASAP”, “within 3 months”, “6 months”, “12 months”, or “do not wish to reschedule”). The survey was administered for surgeries cancelled between March 15^th and May 31^st, 2020. Utilizing June 1^st as the date elective procedures resumed, completed surgeries were categorized as “within stated preferences” or “late”. Data were analyzed for possible predictors of having surgery within preferences using chi-square and multivariable logistic regressions (α=0.05).

RESULTS & CONCLUSION:

Of the 1703 patients with surgery cancellations, 1327 (77.9%) completed the survey. Rescheduled surgery data were obtained for 1297 patients – 97.7% of survey participants. Sample demographics included 64.6% females, 70.9% Caucasians, and a mean age of 59.3. The majority (65.9%) preferred to have surgeries rescheduled ASAP, and the majority (66.0%) underwent surgery within their stated preference. However, Caucasian patients were significantly (1.67x) more likely to have surgery within stated preferences than Black patients (p=<0.001). No other variables were significant independent predictors of having surgery within stated preferences, presenting a discrepancy that encourages further investigation as elective surgeries continue to be rescheduled following resumption across the country.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Recommended Citation

Kang, Anna H.; Sims, Benjamin M.; and Day, Charles S., "Racial Disparities in Rescheduling Elective Surgeries Following COVID-19" (2022). Medical Student Research Symposium. 162.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/162