Black, Hispanic, rural stroke patients less likely sent to hospice
Black, Hispanic, and rural stroke patients are more likely to be sent home than to hospice, per Northeastern study.
Why it matters
- Highlights disparities in end-of-life care for minority and rural patients.
- Points to systemic issues in healthcare access.
- Implications for policy and equitable care.
By the numbers
- Study analyzed over 6,800 Medicare records from 2021.
- 44.4% discharged to home, 10.5% to hospice.
- 18% of patients were Black/Hispanic, 19% rural.
The big picture
- Minority and rural patients receive differing end-of-life care.
- Disparities suggest inequities in hospice access.
- Policymakers need to address these gaps in care.
What they're saying
- Insurance type influences discharge location (e.g., Medicaid may favor home hospice).
- Cultural differences in caregiving preferences noted.
- Concerns about dignity and quality in end-of-life care.
Caveats
- Based on Medicare records, which may not represent all populations.
- Observational study, cannot determine causality.
What’s next
- Research on care quality differences across facilities.
- Examination of insurance’s role in discharge decisions.