Preethy Nayar1, Aastha Chandak2, Fang Yu3, Harlan Sayles3, Apar Kishor Ganti4. 1. Health Services Research & Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States. Electronic address: pnayar@unmc.edu. 2. Health Services Research & Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States. 3. Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States. 4. Division of Oncology-Hematology, VA-NWIHCS, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine rural/urban differences in post-operative mortality for elderly dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer treated by surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, Medicare claims data were used to identify elderly dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy with or without adjuvant therapy. Hierarchical logistic regression models adjusted for age, rurality of residence, post-operative complication rate, length of stay, blood transfusion during admission, and co-morbidity were examined to assess differences in mortality between rural and urban Veteran patients. RESULTS: Among 4,686 dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy between 1997 and 2011, those who lived in a small rural town focused area had significantly higher odds of one-year mortality (Odds Ratio [OR]= 1.50; p<0.01; Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.15-1.95), compared to those who lived in an urban focused area. Surgical or 90-day mortality was not significantly associated with the rurality of the Veterans' residence. Patients who were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and shorter length of stay had lower odds of dying at 90days and one year. CONCLUSIONS: Using a nationally representative database we found that rural and older patients had worse long-term post-operative outcomes than their urban and younger counterparts, while there were no rural/urban differences in early post-operative outcomes. The study adds to evidence pointing to disparities in the quality of care of Veterans based on place of residence.
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine rural/urban differences in post-operative mortality for elderly dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer treated by surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, Medicare claims data were used to identify elderly dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy with or without adjuvant therapy. Hierarchical logistic regression models adjusted for age, rurality of residence, post-operative complication rate, length of stay, blood transfusion during admission, and co-morbidity were examined to assess differences in mortality between rural and urban Veteran patients. RESULTS: Among 4,686 dually eligible Veteran patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy between 1997 and 2011, those who lived in a small rural town focused area had significantly higher odds of one-year mortality (Odds Ratio [OR]= 1.50; p<0.01; Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.15-1.95), compared to those who lived in an urban focused area. Surgical or 90-day mortality was not significantly associated with the rurality of the Veterans' residence. Patients who were younger, had fewer comorbidities, and shorter length of stay had lower odds of dying at 90days and one year. CONCLUSIONS: Using a nationally representative database we found that rural and older patients had worse long-term post-operative outcomes than their urban and younger counterparts, while there were no rural/urban differences in early post-operative outcomes. The study adds to evidence pointing to disparities in the quality of care of Veterans based on place of residence.
Authors: Smita Bhatia; Wendy Landier; Electra D Paskett; Katherine B Peters; Janette K Merrill; Jonathan Phillips; Raymond U Osarogiagbon Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst Date: 2022-07-11 Impact factor: 11.816