Disparities in joint replacement utilization: a quality of care issue

Emejuaiwe N, Jones AC, Ibrahim SA, Kwoh CK. Disparities in joint replacement utilization: a quality of care issue. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology. 2007 Nov 1; 25(6 Suppl 47):44-9.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• ECV 03-201 – Reasons for Disparities in Joint Replacement Utilization
• IIR 04-137 – Joint Replacement Utilization Disparity: The Role of Communication
• IIR 05-234 – Knee Replacement Disparity: A Randomized, Controlled Intervention

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Abstract:

Although total joint replacement is an effective treatment option for end-stage lower extremity osteoarthritis, racial disparities in joint replacement utilization have been well documented. These disparities may be due in part to patient-level factors such as willingness to consider joint replacement and worse expectations of joint replacement outcomes. In addition, African-Americans may have worse outcomes after total joint replacement and are more likely to have surgery performed by surgeons with lower volumes or in hospitals with lower volumes. All of these issues may be considered concerns with the quality of care delivered to African-Americans with osteoarthritis.