Health Disparities in Cardiac Critical Care: Understanding Inequities, Barriers, and Pathways Toward Equitable Access and Enhanced Outcomes.

ABSTRACT

Health disparities in cardiac critical care continue to pose significant challenges in achieving equitable access and outcomes for diverse populations. This literature review examines the disparities in access to and outcomes of cardiac critical care interventions across different populations, identifies barriers contributing to these disparities, and explores strategies to address them. A literature review was conducted by searching electronic databases for relevant articles published between January 2000 and May 2023. Studies focusing on health disparities in cardiac critical care, access to interventions, outcomes, and equity were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach. Disparities in access to cardiac critical care interventions were identified, including socioeconomic factors, lack of health insurance, geographic barriers, racial and ethnic disparities, language and cultural barriers, limited health literacy, and lack of awareness and education. These barriers led to delayed diagnoses, suboptimal utilization of interventions, and limited access to specialized cardiac care. Disparities in outcomes were also observed, with certain populations experiencing worse clinical outcomes and higher morbidity and mortality rates. This review emphasizes the existence of disparities in cardiac critical care and emphasizes the necessity for interventions to address these disparities. Specific strategies should concentrate on enhancing healthcare access, diminishing financial obstacles, expanding health insurance coverage, fostering patient-centered approaches, and harnessing telemedicine and technology. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocates are vital to advocate for policy changes and implement evidence-based interventions that foster equitable care. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies, implementation science, patient engagement, global perspectives, and rigorous evaluation of intervention strategies to advance our knowledge and guide endeavors in reducing health disparities in cardiac critical care.