Home > Review Articles > Ethnic disparities in the quality of hospital care in New Zealand, as measured by 30-day rate of unplanned readmission/death

Ethnic disparities in the quality of hospital care in New Zealand, as measured by 30-day rate of unplanned readmission/death

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 45
Authors:
  • Rumball-Smith J et al
Summary:

This retrospective analysis of data from 89,658 patients who were admitted for one of a defined set of surgical procedures at NZ public hospitals between 2002 and 2008 compared the quality of hospital care for NZ Māori and NZ European adult patients, using the rate of unplanned readmission or death within 30 days of discharge as an indicator of quality. Covariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that NZ Māori had 16% higher odds of readmission or death compared with NZ European patients. Readmission or death was also associated with being female (OR 1.09), older age (OR 1.33; for >79 years compared with 18–39 years), higher comorbidity (OR 2.08; for Charlson score 3+ compared with 0) and higher hospital volume (OR 0.81; for lowest volume compared with highest).

Comment:
The findings made me think about measuring quality in other settings (i.e. unplanned readmission rates for medical and paediatric patients); the need to measure quality by ethnicity at DHBs; and ways to improve quality of care for Māori within hospitals.
Reference: Int J Qual Health Care 2013;25(3):248-54
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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