Disparities in Discharge Destination After Lower Extremity Joint Arthroplasty: Analysis of 7924 Patients in an Urban Setting

Abstract Background Discharge destination is an important factor to consider to maximize care coordination and manage patient expectations after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). It also has significant impact on the cost-effectiveness of these procedures given the significant cost of post-acute inpatient care. Therefore, understanding factors that impact discharge destination after TJA is critical. Methods An evaluation of socioeconomic, geographic, and racial/ethnic factors associated with discharge destination to either home or institution (ie, rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, and so forth) following joint arthroplasty of the lower extremity was conducted. We analyzed data on patients admitted between 2011 and 2014 for primary or revision hip or knee arthroplasty at a single institution. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were applied to determine associations. Results Included in the analysis were 7924 cases of lower extremity joint procedures, of which 4836 (61%), 785 (10%), and 2770 (35%) were of female gender, low socioeconomic status, and nonwhite race/ethnicity, respectively. A total of 5088 (64%) and 2836 (36%) cases were discharged to home and institution, respectively. Significant predictors of discharge to an institution in the multivariate analysis include SES (low and middle SES [odds ratio {OR}: 1.27, 95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.02-1.57, P  = .029; and OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10-1.44, P  = .001]), age (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.049-1.060, P P P P  = .027; other OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67-0.95, P  = .009). Conclusion Socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are important factors related to discharge destination following TJA. Thoroughly understanding and addressing these factors may help increase the rates of discharge to home as opposed to institution.