Disparities in healthcare continue to challenge equitable treatment, particularly concerning time-sensitive conditions such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). New research highlights critical moments during emergency care where inequities manifest, disproportionately affecting Hispanic and Black patients compared to their White counterparts. This gap in care could mean the difference between life and death, as timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) greatly enhances outcomes for STEMI patients.
Study Parameters and Methods
The study scrutinized a large cohort of 139,629 STEMI patients across Florida from 2011 to 2021, utilizing logistic regression to analyze outcomes based on race and ethnicity while adjusting for various demographic and hospital factors. The research primarily focused on access to PCI-capable hospitals, the likelihood of receiving PCI upon initial presentation at such facilities, and the rate of transfer to PCI-capable hospitals for those initially admitted elsewhere.
Significant Findings
Results clearly indicated that racial disparities are pervasive throughout the care continuum. Black and Hispanic individuals faced greater hurdles; they were markedly less likely than their White peers to present initially at PCI-ready hospitals and to receive transfer to, or treatment at, these facilities if necessary. Disturbingly, even after arriving at receiving hospitals, Black patients encountered lower PCI rates.
Bulleted Inferences:
– Both Hispanic and Black patients are underrepresented at initial presentations in PCI-capable hospitals.
– Likelihood of transfer for non-PCI capable hospital patients is significantly lower among Black and Hispanic groups.
– Upon inter-hospital transfer, Black patients face additional barriers to receiving PCI treatment.
The disparities evidenced in this study underscore a pressing need for systemic interventions targeted at equalizing access to critical cardiac care services like PCI for minority patients with STEMI. Healthcare systems should implement targeted strategies to bridge this gap, such as improving community awareness, enhancing EMT decision-making protocols, and ensuring comprehensive network-wide communications that prioritize equitable access. These insights could serve as valuable models for regions outside Florida, advocating global healthcare equity.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
