Homeless people receive less treatment in hospitals for heart attacks, have higher readmission rates

Homelessness has become a social crisis and public health problem around the world, affecting people of all ages. Most homeless people are disadvantaged by having far fewer resources, and they may or may not have adequate health insurance. Mental illness and substance abuse are common issues in the homeless community, and people living on the streets have a high likelihood of developing heart disease. Yet they have little ability to take care of their health.

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings examined in-hospital outcomes and 30-day readmission rates of 3,937 homeless patients from more than 1.5 million people admitted for a heart attack. Researchers used two years of data (2015-2016) from the National Readmission Database.

The findings show that homeless patients often receive less treatment and are more likely to end up readmitted to the hospital within a month. This is concerning for providers, whose reimbursement is increasingly tied to clinical outcomes, with 30-day readmission rates one of the more high-profile measures by which they're determined.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

Compared to those with stable housing, homeless patients admitted with a heart attack tended to be male, about 10 years younger, with fewer traditional risk factors for heart disease.

Homeless patients in the study had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure, anemia, chronic kidney disease, and liver and lung diseases. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse and HIV infections were substantially higher for this group, as well.

Looking at matched outcomes for each group, homeless patients received less treatment in the hospital, as shown through a lower rate of angiography and revascularization. The in-hospital mortality rate and median cost of hospitalization were similar for the homeless versus patients who were not homeless.

Other differences emerged when comparing length of stay and readmission. Homeless patients were in the hospital longer, but they were more likely to leave against medical advice and be discharged to an intermediate care facility.

They were also more likely to be readmitted. The 30-day readmission rates differed significantly, with 22.5% of homeless patients readmitted, compared to only 10% of patients who were not homeless. Cardiovascular causes were the most common reasons for readmission in both groups. However, 18% of homeless patients were readmitted for psychiatric causes, compared to 2% of patients who were not homeless.

THE LARGER TREND

The authors stressed the need for a more holistic approach to address both the clinical and social needs of such patients. A more whole-view approach can be facilitated in part by better data aggregation and sharing between payers and providers, as well as advanced analytics that can identify those most at risk.

Readmissions occur for almost 20% of patients hospitalized in the U.S., and are associated with patient harm and expenses, the University of Maryland School of Medicine found last year. Rates of unplanned readmission within 30 days after discharge are used to benchmark a hospital's performance and quality of patient care, but clinicians are often poorly equipped to identify patients who will be readmitted, and many readmissions are thought to be preventable.

Twitter: @JELagasse

Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com