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Patients treated at hospitals with higher proportions of minority trauma cases are at increased risk for death, even after controlling for confounding variables, according to conclusions from a study of 434 hospitals. The study was published online September 19 in the *Archives of Surgery*.
The adjusted odds of death in hospitals treating 25% to 50% minority patients were increased by 16% compared with hospitals treating less than 25% minority patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 – 1.34). In hospitals treating more than 50% minority patients, that disparity increased to 37% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 – 1.61). Hospitals with more minority patients tended to be level 1 trauma centers and teaching hospitals.
The difference in outcomes was even greater in one subset of patients: those with blunt trauma injuries. Among that subset the odds of death increased 18% in hospitals treating 25% to 50% minority patients and to 45% in hospitals with more than 50% minority patients.
Ref and Read more: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/749920?sssdmh=dm1.719673&src=nldne
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