Racial Disparities In Utilization Research Articles

Identifying Racial Disparities in Utilization and Clinical Outcomes of Ambulatory Hip Arthroscopy: Analysis of Temporal Trends and Causal Inference via Machine Learning.

Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular pathology has experienced significant growth in the last 30 years; nevertheless, reduced utilization of orthopaedic procedures has been observed among the underrepresented population. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in case incidence rates, outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. It was hypothesized that racial and ethnic minority patients would undergo hip arthroscopy at a decreased rate compared with their White counterparts but that there would be no differences in clinical outcomes. Cross-sectional study. The State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database and the State Emergency Department Database of New York were queried for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between 2011 and 2017. Patients were stratified into White and racial and ethnic minority races, and intergroup comparisons were performed for utilization over time, total charges billed per encounter, 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, and revision hip arthroscopy. Temporal trends in the utilization of hip arthroscopy were identified, and racial differences in secondary outcomes were analyzed with a semiparametric method known as targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) backed by a library of machine learning algorithms. A total of 9745 patients underwent hip arthroscopy during the study period, with 1081 patients of minority race (11.1%). White patients underwent hip arthroscopy at 5.68 (95% CI, 4.98-6.48) times the incidence rate of racial and ethnic minority patients; these incidence rates grew annually at a ratio of 1.11 in White patients compared with 1.03 in racial and ethnic minority patients (P < .001). Based on the TMLE, racial and ethnic minority patients were significantly more likely to incur higher costs (P < .001) and visit the ED within 90 days (P = .049) but had negligible differences in reoperation rates at a 2-year follow-up (P = .53). Subgroup analysis identified that higher likelihood for 90-day ED admissions among racial and ethnic minority patients compared with White patients was associated with Medicare insurance (P = .002), median income in the lowest quartile (P = .012), and residence in low-income neighborhoods (P = .006). Irrespective of insurance status, racial and ethnic minority patients undergo hip arthroscopy at a lower incidence and incur higher costs per surgical encounter.

Exploring disparities in palliative care utilization among hospitalized patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

1616 Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the common gastrointestinal cancers, and its advanced stage requires palliative care due to its inferior prognosis and mortality. Palliative care significantly improves the burden of HCC on patients and the healthcare system. Despite the evidence of its use, reported utilization could have been better. This study aims to investigate the disparities in utilization of palliative care in hospitalized patients with HCC and examine related factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the 2018-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Patients aged 18 or above with hepatocellular carcinoma were studied to determine how their utilization of palliative care varied based on their race and other identifiable risk factors. Palliative care utilization encompasses palliative care/ comfort care or under the care of a palliative care physician or referral. We examined these patients' demographics, All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APR-DRG) risk of mortality, and their relationship with palliative care utilization. Results: This study identified 128,140 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), of whom 26,730 (20.9%) had utilized palliative care. The majority of study participants were White and male. The palliative care utilization (PCU) group comprised mainly White patients, with 50% of the group having extreme APR-DRG risk of mortality. Compared to Whites, Blacks had increased odds of palliative care utilization in both unadjusted (OR=1.08; 95% CI: 0.99-1.18) and adjusted models (aOR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.22). Hispanics had reduced odds in both unadjusted (OR=0.83; 95% CI: 0.75-0.91) and adjusted models (aOR=0.84; 95% CI: 0.76-0.93). Moreover, over 50% of study participants were in large, bed-sized hospitals and on Medicare insurance. Conclusions: Our study showed significant disparities in palliative care utilization among hospitalized patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. While the majority of patients were White and male, Black patients had increased odds of palliative care utilization, and Hispanics had reduced odds. Additionally, patients in large, bed-sized hospitals and on Medicare insurance comprised over 50% of the study population. The racial disparities in utilization might stem from differences in socio-cultural beliefs and practices alongside other factors. Efforts are needed to address these disparities and ensure equitable care for all patients, particularly vulnerable populations. Further research and quality improvement initiatives are essential to explore and address these disparities and contributing factors, enhancing outcomes for patients with HCC.

Racial disparities in utilization of first-generation versus second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics in Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia.

Multiple studies report racial disparities in antipsychotic prescription patterns. This study assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with the utilization of first-generation (FG) versus second-generation (SG) long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics. This retrospective, observational cohort analysis used claims data from the IBM MarketScan® Multi-State Medicaid database. The study included adults with an LAI claim between 01-January-2009 and 31-December-2018, an ICD-9-CM or ICD-10-CM diagnosis of schizophrenia, race recorded as Black or White, and ≥12months of continuous enrollment before the index LAI. Descriptive analysis detailed the relationship between race and FG or SG LAI initiation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess potential associations with FG vs. SG LAI initiation, including clinical and demographic factors, comorbidities, and index year. A total of 10,773 patients were included: 6659 (62%) Black and 4114 (38%) White. Black patients had a higher utilization of FG LAIs than White patients (46.8% vs. 38.9%) over the 10years analyzed. Black patients were more likely to utilize FG LAIs than White patients (odds ratio: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.62) after controlling for index year and covariates (race, age, gender, insurance plan type, Quan-Charlson Comorbidity index score, comorbidities, prior medications). Significant predictors of FG LAI utilization were older age, type of baseline oral antipsychotic (FG vs SG), type of coverage (managed care vs fee for service), and greater comorbidity burden. The utilization of FG LAIs was greater in Black compared to White Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia over a 10-year period. These findings suggest that racial disparities exist in LAI initiation, with implications for differential quality of schizophrenia treatment.

Racial Disparities in the Utilization of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SBRT has now been demonstrated to improve OS, PFS and TTP in patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when compared to systemic therapy alone. Disparities in the availability and utilization of SBRT for minority racial patients may affect oncologic outcomes. This study examines racial and sociodemographic disparities in the utilization of SBRT for HCC patients. In this registry-based cohort study, data from the American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004 - 2017 was analyzed. Adults with a new diagnosis of localized, non-metastatic, HCC were included in this analysis. Patients were sub-grouped by race and whether they were treated with liver SBRT. In this analysis, SBRT was defined as radiation delivered in 3-5 fractions and in the 30-60Gy range. The primary outcome of this study was the utilization rate of liver SBRT in HCC, depending on race. Survival was also examined in these patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v28 for univariate and multivariate logistical regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. From 2004 - 2017, 95132 cases of localized HCC were identified in patients who were white, non-Spanish, non-Hispanic (WNH) and 40964 cases who were black or Hispanic/Spanish (BH). Of all these patients, only 1963 patients, or 1.4%, were treated with liver SBRT. Comparing WNH patients to BH patients, 1423 (1.5%) WNH patients were treated with SBRT and 334 (0.8%) BH patients were treated with SBRT (p<0.001). Looking at the number of patients treated with SBRT each year, there has been a yearly increase in the use of liver SBRT, from 48 patients in 2007 to 340 patients in 2017. The utilization of SBRT in WNH patients has increased at a higher rate than for BH patients over this time period. The median survival for patients with localized HCC was similar for both WNH and BH patients with a median survival of 17 months (p = 0.36). However, patients who were treated with liver SBRT had an improved median survival of 25 months for WNH patients and 34 months for BH patients (p<0.001). Overall, liver SBRT is severely underutilized for patients with localized HCC in the patient population represented in this database, and fewer BH patients are treated with liver SBRT compared with WNH patients. Liver SBRT is associated with improved survival of HCC patients in this study. With the findings of the RTOG 1112 trial, demonstrating improved OS and PFS with the use of SBRT for HCC, it is essential to adopt liver SBRT more broadly and to develop strategies to reduce the racial disparities in utilization.

Racial Disparities in Utilization of Emergency Medical Services and Related Impact on Poststroke Disability.

Prompt seeking of emergency medical services (EMS) assistance at stroke onset is critical to minimize poststroke disability. The aim was to study how racial differences in EMS decision-relevant factors and EMS use impact stroke care and disability outcomes. A prospective observational study. A total of 1168 acute ischemic stroke patients discharged from April 2016 to October 2017 at a safety net hospital were included; 108 patients were surveyed before discharge. (1) Prehospital delay: EMS use, timely hospital arrival; (2) Stroke care: alteplase receipt and inpatient rehab; (3) Outcomes: Functional improvement at discharge (admission minus discharge scores on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), 90-day modified Rankin Scale; (4) EMS decision-relevant factors: Stroke symptom knowledge, source of knowledge, unfavorable past EMS/care experiences, and financial barriers to EMS use. Despite more Black patients using EMS than Whites/Asians (56% vs. 48%, P =0.003), their timely hospital arrival was 30% less likely. Adjusted for stroke severity, receipt of alteplase, and inpatient rehab were similar, but Black patients fared worse on functional improvement at discharge (among severe strokes, 2.4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale points less improvement, P <0.01), and on functional normalcy at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 0-1 being 60% less likely across severity categories) ( P <0.01). Fewer Black patients knew any stroke symptoms before the stroke (72% vs. 87%, P =0.03), and fewer learned about stroke from providers ( P =0.01). Financial barriers and provider mistrust were similar. Black patients had less knowledge of stroke symptoms, more care-seeking delay, and poorer outcomes. Including stroke education as a standard of chronic disease care may mitigate stroke outcome disparities.

Palliative Medicine and End of Life Care Between Races in an Academic Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Although palliative medicine (PM) is more commonly being integrated into the intensive care unit (ICU), research on racial disparities in this area is lacking. Our objectives were to (a) identify racial disparities in utilization of PM consultation for patients who received ICU care and (b) determine if there were differences in the use of code status or PM consultation over time based on race. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 571 patients, 18 years and above, at a tertiary care institution who received ICU care and died during their hospital stay. We analyzed two timeframes, 2008-2009 and 2018-2019. Univariate analysis was utilized to evaluate baseline characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression model and interaction P values were employed to assess for differential use of PM consultation, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and comfort care (CC) orders between races in aggregate and for changes over time. Results: There was a notable increase in Black/African-American (AA) (54% to 61%) and Hispanic/Latino (2% to 3%) patients over time in our population. Compared to White patients, we found no differences between PM consultation and CC orders. There was a lower probability of DNR orders for Black/AA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.569; P = .049; confidence interval [CI]: 0.324-0.997) and other/unknown/multiracial patients (aOR: 0.389; P = .273; CI: 0.169-0.900). Comparing our earlier time period to the later time period, we found an increased usage of PM for all patients. Interaction P values suggest there were no differences between races regarding PM, DNR, and CC orders. Conclusions: PM use has increased over time at our institution. Contrary to the previous literature, there were no differences in the frequency of utilization of PM consultation between races. Further analysis to evaluate the usage of PM in the ICU setting in varying populations and geographic locations is warranted.

Racial disparities in access to DBS: results of a real-world U.S. claims data analysis.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective and standard-of-care therapy for Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders when symptoms are inadequately controlled with conventional medications. It requires expert care for patient selection, surgical targeting, and therapy titration. Despite the known benefits, racial/ethnic disparities in access have been reported. Technological advancements with smartphone-enabled devices may influence racial disparities. Real-world evidence investigations can shed further light on barriers to access and demographic disparities for DBS patients. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed using Medicare claims linked with manufacturer patient data tracking to analyze 3,869 patients who received DBS. Patients were divided into two categories: traditional omnidirectional DBS systems with dedicated proprietary controllers ("traditional"; n = 3,256) and directional DBS systems with smart controllers ("smartphone-enabled"; n = 613). Demographics including age, sex, and self-identified race/ethnicity were compared. Categorical demographics, including race/ethnicity and distance from implanting facility, were analyzed for the entire population. A significant disparity in DBS utilization was evident. White individuals comprised 91.4 and 89.9% of traditional and smartphone-enabled DBS groups, respectively. Non-White patients were significantly more likely to live closer to implanting facilities compared with White patients. There is great racial disparity in utilization of DBS therapy. Smartphone-enabled systems did not significantly impact racial disparities in receiving DBS. Minoritized patients were more likely to live closer to their implanting facility than White patients. Further research is warranted to identify barriers to access for minoritized patients to receive DBS. Technological advancements should consider the racial discrepancy of DBS utilization in future developments.

Poster 395: Racial Disparities in Utilization and Perioperative Metrics in Rotator Cuff Repair in a US Inpatient Database

Objectives: Previous studies have shown racial disparities in the utilization and perioperative metrics of orthopedic procedures. However, it remains unclear if similar disparities exist in rotator cuff repair (RCR). The purpose of this study was to examine trends in racial disparities between white and black patients with inpatient RCR in the United States (US). Methods: Admissions for inpatient RCR in 2008-2012 were queried from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. The primary outcome was utilization rate, defined by the number of RCRs normalized to the US population per race and year. The effect of race on utilization and perioperative metrics was assessed using a regression model correcting for race and year, with a race- year interaction term to approximate temporal trends in disparities (alpha=0.05, 1-beta&gt;0.90). Results: Overall, 20,363 patients were included in the final analysis, 18,602 identifying as white (91%) and 1,761 (8.6%) as black. On average, white patients undergoing RCR were older (white median=67 [IQR=58-75] years; black median=60 [IQR=52-68] years, P&lt;0.0001) and more likely on Medicare (white: 59%; black: 44%, P&lt;0.0001). Black race was associated with a 6.6/1,000,000 lower utilization rate compared to white race (P&lt;0.0001). Although the utilization gap narrowed over time, this trend was not significant (Ptrend=0.06). Black patients were 4% less likely to be discharged to a facility (P&lt; 0.0001, Ptrend=0.07) and had a 0.23-day longer average length of stay (P=0.047, Ptrend=0.81). When correcting for baseline age and comorbidities, postoperative complications were not significantly different between white and black patients (beta=-2.4%, 95%CI=-13.0%-+8.3%, P=0.60). Conclusions: There is a discrepancy in inpatient RCR utilization between white and black patients. Although this disparity appears to be decreasing over time, this trend was not significant. Further studies are warranted to understand causal factors for these differences, that may serve as targets for future public health interventions. [Table: see text]

Poster 362: Identifying Racial Disparity in Utilization and Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy using Machine Learning

Objectives: Background: Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular pathology has been increasingly used in the past thirty years with interventions resulting in improved hip function and ultimate delay of hip arthroplasty in a minimally invasive manner. Unfortunately, previous investigations have observed decreased rates of access, utilization of, and outcomes following orthopedic interventions such as hip arthroplasty in underrepresented patients. The purpose of this study is to examine racial differences in procedural rates, outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. Methods: The State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database (SASD) and State Emergency Department Database (SEDD) of New York were queried for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy from 2011 to 2017. The primary outcomes investigated were utilization over time, total charges billed per encounter, 90-day emergency department visits, and revision hip arthroscopy. Patients were stratified into White and non-White race, and intergroup differences were evaluated with descriptive statistics. Subgroup analysis was performed with linear mixed-effects models to identify significant interactions between race and individual variables that contributed to any differences in the outcomes of interest. Temporal trends in utilization of hip arthroscopy and concomitant procedures between the two groups were analyzed with Poisson regression modeling. Finally, targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) was performed to provide nonparametric estimates of the specific differences in the outcomes studied using machine learning ensembles while controlling for patient risk factors. Results: A total of 9,745 patients underwent hip arthroscopy during the study period, with 1,081 patients of non-White race (11.9%). Results of Poisson regression demonstrated an annual increase of 1.11 in the incidence rate of hip arthroscopy among White patients, compared to 1.03 for non-White patients (p&lt;0.001), with this disparity projected to increase by 2040. Based on TMLE utilizing an ensemble of machine learning models, non-White patients were significantly more likely to incur higher costs (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.24-1.37, p&lt;0.001) and visit the emergency department within 90-days (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18, p=0.05), but had negligible differences in reoperation rates at 90 days to 2 years (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.78-1.63, p=0.53). Subgroup analysis identified higher likelihood for 90-day emergency department admissions among non-White patients compared to White patients, which were significantly compounded by Medicare insurance (OR: 2.95, 95% CI 1.46-5.95, p=0.002), median income in the lowest quartile (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.2-2.61, p=0.012), and residence in low-income neighborhoods (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.31-3.2, p=0.006). Subgroup analysis for charges billed and reoperation did not identify significant findings. Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy remains an increasingly utilized surgical technique for the treatment of a myriad of hip disorders. Unfortunately, racial disparities exist and are worsening over time. Irrespective of insurance status, non-white patients undergo hip arthroscopy at a lower rate, incur higher costs, and more frequently experience unexpected returns to the emergency department. Improved initiatives to improve the disparity in access to and outcomes following hip arthroscopy must be addressed to further its utility for all patients.

Racial disparities in utilization of first line targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer.

6528 Background: This study evaluated whether there were racial disparities in utilization (decomposed as change in proportion of eligible patients initiating therapy over time and time to treatment initiation (TTI)) to CDK4/6 inhibitors and pertuzumab since FDA approval as first line (1L) treatment for ER+/HER2- and HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC), respectively. Methods: This cohort study used the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database. Included women were ≥18 years old, diagnosed with de novo or recurrent MBC, who received 1L therapy, and documented as non-Hispanic White (NHW) or non-Hispanic Black/African American (NHB). Two cohorts were generated for patients with ER+/HER2- MBC diagnosed 3/2015-10/2021 and HER2+ MBC diagnosed 7/2012-9/2021. We estimated temporal trends in the proportion of NHW and NHB patients receiving respective therapy using logistic regression with natural cubic splines for time trends and tested for changes in uptake over time within each group as well as differences in trends between groups. A similar model was used for TTI among treatment initiators, using linear regression models. In addition to time and race, regression models included age, ECOG performance status, insurance, Medicaid expansion status, practice type, and proportion of black patients per practice among patients who met both cohort criteria. Results: 8318 patients (NHW=7006; NHB=1312) met ER+/HER2- cohort criteria and 2321 (NHW=1915; NHB=406) met HER2+ cohort criteria. There was a significant change over time in the proportion of NHW (p&lt;0.0001) and NHB (p&lt;0.0001) initiating 1L CDK4/6 inhibitors (Table). Temporal trends were also significantly different between NHW and NHB (p&lt;0.0001). Higher ECOG performance status (OR=0.85 per unit increase, 95%CI 0.80-0.90; p&lt;0.001) and an increasing proportion of black patients seen at practice (OR=0.45, 95%CI 0.29-0.71; p&lt;0.001) were independent predictors of lower odds of initiating CDK4/6 inhibitors. Overall, 43% NHW vs 41% NHB received pertuzumab respectively. There was no significant difference in uptake trends for pertuzumab between NHW and NHB (p=0.41). There was no significant difference in the temporal trends of TTI for either CDK4/6 inhibitors (p=0.74) or pertuzumab (p=0.84). Conclusions: Utilization of CDK4/6 inhibitors steadily increased over time, however &gt; 25% of eligible patients did not receive the drug, and less than half of individuals who met indication for pertuzumab were prescribed it. Racial disparities were significant for oral CDK4/6 inhibitors but not for intravenous pertuzumab. [Table: see text]

Racial disparities in utilization of palliative care among inpatients admitted for lung cancer.

e24166 Background: Multiple national database-based studies have shown that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive palliative care options at end-of-life (EOL) inpatient care leading to higher costs and poorer quality of life. To the best of our knowledge, there is no reported data specifically considering lung and pleural malignancies. Methods: We analyzed hospitalizations across the United States in 2019 from the National Inpatient Sample dataset, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. We identified adult non-emergent hospitalizations with ‘malignant neoplasm of the lung and bronchus’ (including mesothelioma) listed as the principal reason for hospitalization using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, clinical modification codes C34.0, C34.1, C34.2, C34.3, C34.8, C34.9, and their sub-branches. StataCorp Stata software was used to extract data and compute mortality and palliative care consult utilization among various demographic factors such as sex, age, race, and payer status. Results: Of 67,425 total hospitalizations, 9.4% resulted in mortality. Of these 6338 patients that died, 73.1% were White, 13% Black, 5.8% Hispanic, 3.9% Asians/Pacific Islanders, 0.6% Native Americans, and 3.3% were other races. Palliative care was consulted in 63% of the patients whose admission resulted in death. 64.9% of the White patients, 58.6% of the Black patients, 62.6% of Hispanic patients, 67.7% of Asians/Pacific Islanders, 60% Native Americans, and 59.6% of other races were offered palliative care prior to their death. The average age among the admissions which resulted in death was 69.03 years. Conclusions: While most admissions resulting in mortality were among the White population, there was still a clear discrepancy in the number of Black patients on whom palliative care was consulted. Possible reasons include poor healthcare literacy, physician mistrust, and cultural preferences. Clinicians should consider and suggest early palliative care consultation in the care of Black patients and other minority racial groups to improve the quality of EOL care.

Racial disparities in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: an analysis of utilization and perioperative outcomes.

There remains a paucity of literature addressing racial disparities in utilization and perioperative metrics in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to evaluate patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2010 to 2019. Baseline demographics, utilization trends, and perioperative measures, including adverse events, operative time, length of hospital stay, days from operation to discharge, and readmission, were analyzed. Of 42,443 included patients, 38,090 (89.7%) were White, and 4353 (10.3%) were Black or African American. Black or African American patients had a significantly higher percentage of diabetes mellitus (23.6% vs. 15.6%), smoking (16.9% vs. 14.8%), congestive heart failure (0.3% vs. 0.1%), and hypertension (59.2% vs. 45.9%). In addition, logistic regression showed that Black or African American patients had increased odds of longer operative time (adjusted rate ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.08) and time from operation to discharge (adjusted rate ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.37). Disparities in relative utilization decreased as the proportion of Black or African American patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair increased (7.4% in 2010 vs. 10.4% in 2019) compared with White patients (P trend < .0001). Racial disparities exist regarding baseline comorbidities and perioperative metrics in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Further investigation is needed to fully understand and address the causes of these inequalities to provide equitable care.

Race, Affordability and Utilization of Supportive Care in Ovarian Cancer Patients.

Lack of access to supportive care (SC) among cancer patients have been well documented. However, the role of affordability in this disparity among ovarian cancer (OC) patients remain poorly understood. Patients with OC between 2008 and 2015 were identified from the SEER-Medicare dataset. Racial disparities in utilization of SC medications within the six months of OC diagnosis among patients with Medicare Part D coverage was examined. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to examine the associations of race, affordability and SC medications after adjusting for clinical covariates among all patients and separately among patients with advanced-stage disease. The study cohort included 3697 patients: 86% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 6% non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 8% Hispanic. In adjusted models, NHB and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive antidepressants compared to NHW patients (NHB: aOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.63 and Hispanic: aOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99). This association persisted for NHB patients with advanced-stage disease (aOR 0.42; 95% CI 0.28-0.62). Patients dual enrolled in Medicaid were more likely to receive antidepressants (overall: aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.17-1.53 and advanced-stage: aOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.52). However, patients residing in areas with higher vs. lower proportions of lower educated adults (overall: aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70-0.97 and advanced-stage: aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.68-0.99) were less likely to receive antidepressants. Black OC patients and those living in lower educated areas were less likely to receive antidepressants as SC. Given the importance of post-primary treatment quality of life for cancer patients, interventions are needed to enhance equitable access to SC.

S1045 Racial Disparities in Utilization of Medications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is traditionally associated with European ancestry but is increasingly seen among the different races and ethnicities in the United States. Large, multicenter studies across the US and Canada report more complex disease phenotypes among African American individuals. In our study, we explored the disparities in the treatment of IBD among the major racial groups in the United States. Methods: We used a multi-institutional database (Explorys Inc, Cleveland, OH) which includes electronic health record data from 26 major integrated US healthcare systems. Based on Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT), we identified all patients (age >18 years) with a diagnosis of IBD (either Crohn’s disease (CD) or Ulcerative colitis (UC) between 1999 to present. Based on race, the study population was divided into two groups African American and Caucasian. The two groups were further categorized based on the type of medical therapy for IBD, such as thiopurines, methotrexate, 5-ASA, anti- tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF), ustekinumab, and vedolizumab. Results: Of the 70,383,890 individuals in the database, we identified 249,420 (0.35%) patients with CD and 208,990 (0.30%) patients with UC. Among all IBD patients, 32,870 were African American (8 %) and 314,660 (76.2 %) were Caucasian. When compared with Caucasians, African American IBD patients were less likely to be treated with immunomodulator therapy such as 5-ASA [OR 0.86, p < 0.0001], methotrexate [OR 0.82, p < 0.0001] and thiopurines [OR 0.85, p < 0.0001] and immunosuppressant therapy with biologics such as anti-TNF [0.91, p < 0.0001], Ustekinumab [OR 0.78, p < 0.0001], Vedolizumab [OR 0.74, p < 0.0001] and Tofacitinib [OR 0.61, p =0.0044]. Conclusion: Our large cohort of IBD patients demonstrates significant healthcare disparity in the United States population. African American patients with IBD were significantly less likely to be treated with either immunomodulator or biologic therapy when compared to Caucasians. It is important for gastroenterologists to identify barriers to care in the African American IBD population and implement measures that can improve access to healthcare.Figure 1.: Forest plot of immunomodulators and biologic Therapy in race based-IBD patients. Univariate analysis used to calculated OR. The odds ratio in African Americans are based on whites as reference group. OR; odds ratio. CI; confidence interval. AA; African-American, TNFs; anti tumor necrosis factors, Thiopurines; azathioprine and mercaptopurine, MTX; Methotrexate. Table 1. - Univariate Logistic Regression of immunomodulators and biologic Therapy in race based-IBD patients AA IBD n=31,010 (%) Caucasian IBD n=259,320 (%) OR CI P-value Anti-TNFs 1,560 (5%) 18,460 (7.1%) 0.69 0.65-0.72 < 0.0001 Thiopurine 1,420 (4.5%) 17,090 (6.5%) 0.68 0.64-0.71 < 0.0001 Vedolizumab 300 (0.9%) 4,400 (1.6%) 0.56 0.50-0.63 < 0.0001 Ustekinumab 120 (0.3%) 1,640 (0.6%) 0.61 0.50-0.73 < 0.0001 Tofacitinib 30 (0.1%) 490 (0.2%) 0.51 0.35-0.74 = 0.0004 Methotrexate 620 (1.9%) 6,690 (2.5%) 0.777 0.70-0.83 < 0.0001 5-ASA 8,520 (26%) 90,830 (29%) 0.86 0.84-0.88 < 0.0001 OR; odds ratio. CI; confidence interval. AA; African-American, anti-TNFs; anti tumor necrosis factors, IBD; inflammatory bowel disease. 5-ASA; Mesalamine.

Factors Underlying Racial Disparity in Utilization of Hepatitis C-Viremic Kidneys in the United States.

Utilization of hepatitis C (HCV) viremic kidneys is increasing in the United States. We examined racial disparity in this utilization using UNOS/OPTN data (2014-2020) and mixed effects models adjusting for donor/recipient/center factors. Included in the study were 58,786 adults receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant from 191 centers. Two thousand six hundred thirteen (4%) received kidneys from HCV-viremic donors. Of these, 1598 (61%) were HCV seronegative and 1015 (49%) were HCV seropositive. Among seronegative recipients, before adjusting for waiting time and education, Blacks (OR 0.69, 95%CI (0.60, 0.80)), Hispanics (OR 0.63, 95%CI (0.51, 0.79)), and Asians (OR 0.69, 95%CI (0.53, 0.90)) were less likely than Whites to receive HCV-viremic kidneys. In final models, effect of race was attenuated. Notably, shorter waiting time (OR 0.65, 95%CI (0.63, 0.67)) and increasing educational level (grade school less likely compared to high school OR 0.67, 95% CI (0.49, 0.92) and college more likely than high school (OR 1.16 95% CI (1.02, 1.31)) were associated with receipt of HCV-viremic kidneys. Among HCV-seropositive recipients, recipient race was not independently associated with receipt of HCV-viremic kidneys; however, centers with larger populations of Black waitlisted patients were more likely to utilize HCV-viremic kidneys (OR 1.71, 95%CI (1.20, 2.45)) compared to other centers. Our results suggest recipient race does not independently determine who receives HCV-viremic kidneys; however, other underlying factors including waiting time, education (among seronegative), and center racial mix (among seropositive) contribute to the current differential distribution of HCV-viremic kidneys among races.

138. Racial disparities in utilization of and short-term outcomes following cervical disc replacement vs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

138. Racial disparities in utilization of and short-term outcomes following cervical disc replacement vs anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Abstract No. 89 Racial disparities in utilization of interventional radiology, operative, and non-operative hemorrhage management for patients with traumatic injuries: a National Trauma Data Bank study

Abstract No. 89 Racial disparities in utilization of interventional radiology, operative, and non-operative hemorrhage management for patients with traumatic injuries: a National Trauma Data Bank study

Worsening Racial Disparities in Utilization of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

PurposeThe benefits of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) compared with standard 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy have been demonstrated in many cancer sites and include decreased acute and late toxicity, improved quality of life, and opportunities for dose escalation. Limited literature suggests non-white patients may have lower utilization of IMRT. We hypothesized that as the use of IMRT has increased in recent years, racial inequities have persisted and disproportionately affect non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients. We aim to evaluate temporal trends in IMRT utilization focusing on disparities among minoritized populations. Methods and MaterialsThe National Cancer Database was queried to identify the 10 disease sites with the highest total number of cancer patients treated with definitive intent IMRT in 2017, the most recent year for which data are available. Exclusions included stage IV, age <18 years, unknown insurance status, unknown race, and palliative intent radiation. Race and ethnicity variables were combined and classified as non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, NHB, Asian, Native American/Eskimo, and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Multivariable logistic regression for IMRT utilization was performed for each disease site for both early (2004-2010) and contemporary (2011-2017) cohorts, adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates. ResultsAmong the 10 selected disease sites, 1,010,292 patients received radiation therapy as part of definitive treatment between 2004 and 2017. Overall IMRT utilization rates increased from 22.0% in 2004 to 57.8% in 2017. After adjustment and compared with non-Hispanic White patients, NHB patients were significantly less likely to receive IMRT in 1 of 10 disease sites in the 2004 to 2010 cohort, and 5 of 10 disease sites in the 2011 to 2017 cohort. ConclusionsDespite greater awareness of racial disparities in cancer care and outcomes, this study demonstrates worsening disparities in the use of IMRT, particularly for NHB patients. These differences may exacerbate racial disparities in cancer outcomes; therefore, identification of underlying drivers of differential IMRT utilization is warranted.

Racial Disparities in the Utilization of Shoulder Arthroplasty in the United States: Trends from 2011 to 2017.

Background:As the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty rises at exponential rates, race is an important consideration, as racial disparities have been reported in lower-extremity arthroplasty in the United States. Our study sought to examine these disparities.Methods:Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, all anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) procedures from 2011 to 2017 were analyzed. The patients were divided into the Black, Hispanic, and White groups.Results:Overall, 91.4% of the patients undergoing any shoulder arthroplasty procedure were White, 4.75% were Black, and 3.85% were Hispanic. Age and sex-standardized RSA utilization rates (per 100,000) in White patients increased by 139% from 6.94 in 2011 to 16.60 in 2017. The disparity for Black patients, compared with White patients, was 118% in 2011 and 124% in 2017; the disparity for Hispanic patients was 112% in 2011 and 103% in 2017. Similar disparities in aTSA utilization rates were seen; when compared with White patients, there was a 150% disparity in 2011 and a 197% disparity in 2017 for Black patients, and a 169% disparity in 2011 and a 262% disparity in 2017 for Hispanic patients. Finally, Blacks had a higher rate of non-home discharge, longer length of stay, and higher overall costs, while Hispanics had a longer length of stay and higher cost than Whites.Conclusions:Despite many efforts to reduce racial disparities in health-care utilization, the chasm in shoulder arthroplasty in the United States appears to be large and widening further. The exponential increase in utilization of shoulder arthroplasty has not been shared equally among races, and the disparities are larger than those reported in lower-extremity arthroplasty.

Regional Implicit Bias Does Not Account for Racial Disparity in Total Joint Arthroplasty Utilization.

Racial disparities surrounding the utilization of total hip and total knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) are well documented. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a validated tool used to measure implicit and explicit bias. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if variations in IAT scores by geographical region in the United States (US) correspond with regional variations in THA and TKA utilization by blacks compared to whites. Data from the US Census and National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2014 were used to calculate THA and TKA utilization rates among Medicare-aged blacks and whites. Data were aggregated by US Census Bureau Division. Regional implicit bias was assessed by calculating a weighted average of IAT scores for each division. Across all geographic regions and years, the surveyed population demonstrated an implicit bias favoring whites over blacks. The population adjusted ratio of white-to-black utilization of THA and TKA by geographic division varied between 0.86-1.85 and 0.87-2.01, respectively. The difference in utilization between geographic divisions reached statistical significance (P < .001). No correlation was found between the IAT scores and race-specific utilization ratios among geographic divisions. Implicit bias as measured by regional IAT did not reflect THA and TKA utilization disparities. The racial disparity in utilization of THA and TKA significantly varied between divisions. The observed disparity was greater in divisions with a relatively higher proportion of blacks. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of implicit bias on utilization of THA and TKA.