SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Disparities in Functional Outcomes and Physical Therapy Referrals

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This study examined whether Black race and social disadvantage are associated with poorer functional outcomes and different physical therapy (PT) referral patterns among hospitalized patients on Hospital Medicine services. The authors analyzed hospital admissions lasting at least 48 hours from January 2018 to May 2022, using regression models adjusted for age, sex, length of stay, admission mobility, and other factors. Social disadvantage was measured with the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).<br /><br />Key findings showed that Black patients had greater social disadvantage than non-Black patients (37.4% vs 13.2%) and slightly lower mobility scores at both admission and discharge. Black race was associated with worse mobility change during hospitalization (β -0.96), and this negative effect was stronger among patients with high social disadvantage (β -1.49). Black patients also had higher odds of hospital-acquired disability (HAD) (OR 1.37), with a stronger association in patients age 65 and older (OR 1.67). Despite these risks, Black patients age 65 and older were less likely to receive an inpatient PT referral (OR 0.73).<br /><br />The study concludes that Black race and social disadvantage are linked to poorer functional outcomes during hospitalization, yet Black patients may be less likely to receive PT services when they may need them most. The authors recommend prioritizing PT referrals for patients at risk of functional impairment on admission and incorporating these disparities into inpatient mobility protocols.

Asset Subtitle

Maylyn Martinez

Meta Tag

Author List David O. Meltzer, Maylyn Martinez, Monica Peek, Rachel Baccile, Vineet Arora

Category Research

Concept Black Race

Concept Functional Outcome

Concept Social Disadvantage

Concept Mobility Change

Concept Hospital-Acquired Disability

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Chicago

Presenting Author Maylyn Martinez

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

Black race

social disadvantage

functional outcomes

physical therapy referral

hospitalized patients

hospital medicine

hospital-acquired disability

mobility change

Area Deprivation Index

inpatient rehabilitation

Black Race

Functional Outcome

Social Disadvantage

Mobility Change

Hospital-Acquired Disability