Characteristics of paediatric cardiology patients with interrupted outpatient care using a social determinants framework.

BACKGROUND

Disparities in clinical outcomes exist among children with CHD, and social determinants of health are a significant contributor. Follow-up care plays an important role in long-term health and may be impacted by social determinants of health. We aimed to describe the population with lapses in care to outpatient, general paediatric cardiology from a social determinants of health standpoint and compare them to our primary service area.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed for children who had lapses in care within outpatient, general cardiology. Data were compared to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's primary service area population.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of patients who had lapses in care were noted to identify as Hispanic/Latino, utilised some form of public insurance, and lived in communities with more social deprivation.

CONCLUSION

Patients who identify as a minority race/ethnicity, utilise public insurance, or live in an area with a higher social deprivation may be at a higher risk for lapses in outpatient cardiology care, including both follow-up care and initial evaluations.