American College of Surgeons researchers reviewed 328 studies and focused on five factors linked to disparities:
- Patient
- Provider
- Systemic
- Quality of care across hospitals
- Variation impact in hospital quality on surgical outcomes
- Here are four points:
1. The researchers found racial and ethnic minorities received less palliative care.
2. However, the researchers stated more research into disparities in end-of-life care is needed.
3. The researchers concluded racial and ethnic minority patients receive fewer functional gains when compared to white patients, even in an inpatient setting with equal access to rehabilitation care.
4. In April, The National Institutes of Health announced a research program into disparities in surgical services.
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