Rural Disparities in Elderly Ambulatory Care Readmissions
Author Information
Author(s): Kang Sunny, Miller Nancy, Zhang Ting
Primary Institution: University of Baltimore
Hypothesis
Factors associated with older patients’ readmission to ambulatory care vary by locality.
Conclusion
Older patients living in rural areas and Black Medicaid beneficiaries have higher odds of readmission to ambulatory care.
Supporting Evidence
- Residence in rural areas increases the odds of readmissions (OR=1.61).
- Black patients using Medicaid have higher risks of readmission (OR=2.09).
- Higher facility percentage of Medicare beneficiaries is associated with smaller odds of readmission (OR=0.65).
- Nursing home visits increase the odds of readmission.
- Seeing a mental healthcare provider decreases the risks for readmissions (OR=0.40).
- Patients with cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes have smaller odds of readmission.
Takeaway
Older people who live in the countryside or are Black and use Medicaid are more likely to go back to the doctor after being discharged.
Methodology
Logistic regression analyses were utilized to examine the risk factors for ambulatory readmission.
Limitations
Further research should explore the basis of disparities and special care needs for mental health diagnoses.
Participant Demographics
Older patients aged 50 and older.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%CI[1.30, 1.99]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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