Risk Factors for Suboptimal Colon Cancer Diagnosis and Management at a Safety-Net Hospital System.

INTRODUCTION: Colon cancer (CC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Quality measures have been introduced by the American Gastroenterological Association and Commission on Cancer for optimal management of CC. In this study, we sought to identify factors that may hinder the timely diagnosis and treatment of CC at a safety-net hospital system. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for patients aged ≥18 y diagnosed with CC from 2018 to 2021. Primary outcomes were time from positive fecal immunochemical test to colonoscopy, time from diagnosis to surgery, and time from diagnosis to adjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary end points were demographic characteristics associated with suboptimal outcomes in any of the above measures. RESULTS: One hundred ninety patients were diagnosed with nonmetastatic CC. The majority were Hispanic and non-English-speaking. 74.1% of patients with a positive fecal immunochemical test received a colonoscopy within 180 d. 59.6% of nonemergent cases received surgery within 60 d of diagnosis. 77% of those eligible received adjuvant chemotherapy within 120 d of diagnosis. No clinically significant demographic factor was associated with delay in colonoscopy, surgery, or adjuvant chemotherapy. Most frequent cause of delay in surgery (38.0%) was optimization of comorbidities. Most frequent cause of delay in adjuvant chemotherapy (71.4%) was delay in surgery itself. CONCLUSIONS: No clinically significant demographic factor was associated with experiencing delays in diagnostic colonoscopy, surgery, or adjuvant chemotherapy.

Unhoused and Injured: Injury Characteristics and Outcomes in Unhoused Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The unhoused population is known to be at high risk for traumatic injury. However, there are scarce data regarding injury patterns and outcomes for this patient group. This study aims to investigate any differences in injury characteristics and hospital outcomes between unhoused and housed patients presenting with traumatic injuries. METHODS: We conducted a 3-y retrospective cohort study at a level 1 trauma center in a metropolitan area with a large unhoused population. All adult trauma patients who were identified as unhoused or housed underinsured (HUI) were included in the study. Injury characteristics, comorbidities, and hospital outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 8450 patients were identified, of which 7.5% were unhoused. Compared to HUI patients, unhoused patients were more likely to sustain minor injuries (65.2% versus 59.1%, P = 0.003) and more likely to be injured by assault (17.9% versus 12.4%, P < 0.001), stab wound (17.7% versus 10.8%, P < 0.001), and automobile versus pedestrian or bike (21.0% versus 15.8% P < 0.001). We found that unhoused patients had higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-3.36, P = 0.021), brain death (AOR: 5.40, 95% CI: 2.11-13.83, P < 0.001), bacteremia/sepsis (AOR: 4.36, 95% CI: 1.20-15.81, P = 0.025), and increased hospital length of stay (regression coefficient: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.12, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study observed significant disparities in injury characteristics and hospital outcomes between the unhoused and HUI groups. Our results suggest that these disparities are impacted by social determinants of health unique to the unhoused population.

Back on the Streets: Examining Emergency Department Return Rates for Unhoused Patients Discharged After Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The unhoused population is at high risk for traumatic injuries and faces unique challenges in accessing follow-up care. However, there is scarce data regarding differences in Emergency Department (ED) return rates and reasons for return between unhoused and housed patients. METHODS: We conducted a 3-year retrospective cohort study at a level-1 trauma center in a large metropolitan area. All patients who presented to the ED with traumatic injuries and were discharged without hospital admission were included in the study. The primary outcome was ED returns for trauma-related complications or new traumatic events <6 months after discharge. Patient characteristics and study outcomes were compared between housed and unhoused groups. RESULTS: A total of 4184 patients were identified, of which 20.3% were unhoused. Compared to housed, unhoused patients were more likely to return to the ED (18.8% vs 13.9%, P < .001), more likely to return for trauma-related complications (4.6% vs 3.1%, P = .045), more likely to return with new trauma (7.1% vs 2.8%, P < .001), and less likely to return for scheduled wound checks (2.5% vs 4.3%, P = .012). Of the patients who returned with trauma-related complications, unhoused patients had a higher proportion of wound infection (20.5% vs 5.7%, P = .008). In the regression analysis, unhoused status was associated with increased odds of ED return with new trauma and decreased odds of return for scheduled wound checks. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed significant disparities between unhoused and housed patients after trauma. Our results suggest that inadequate follow-up in unhoused patients may contribute to further ED return.