Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantages associated with prolonged length of stay and non-home discharge following revision total hip and knee joint arthroplasty

Abstract

BackgroundDischarge disposition and length of stay (LOS) are widely recognized markers of healthcare utilization patterns of total hip and knee joint arthroplasty (TJA). These markers are commonly associated with increased postoperative complications, patient dissatisfaction, and higher costs. Area deprivation index (ADI) has been validated as a composite metric of neighborhood-level disadvantage. This study aims to determine the potential association between ADI and discharge disposition or extended LOS following revision TJA. MethodsThis study conducted a retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of revision hip and knee TJA patients from a single tertiary institution. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association between ADI and discharge disposition or LOS, adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities. Results1047 consecutive revision TJA patients were identified across 463 different neighborhoods. 193 (18.4 %) had an extended LOS, and 334 (31.9 %) were discharged to non-home facilities. Compared with Q1 (least deprived cohort), Q2 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63; p = 0.030) and Q4 (most deprived cohort: OR = 2.04; p = 0.002) cohorts demonstrated higher odds of non-home discharge. Patients in the highest ADI quartile (most deprived cohort) were associated with increased odds of prolonged LOS following revision TJA compared to those in the lowest ADI quartile (OR = 2.63; p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study suggests that higher levels of neighborhood-level disadvantage may be associated with higher odds of non-home discharge and prolonged LOS following revision TJA. Development of interventions based on the area deprivation index may improve discharge planning and reduce unnecessary non-home discharges in patients living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation.