Post Hospital Surgical Disparities

Abstract

Outcomes in surgical patients after hospital discharge are influenced by many factors. Social drivers of health play a critical role in recovery, complication rates, readmissions, and long-term functional outcomes. These include food security, access to care, health literacy, housing stability, and transportation. Solutions to improve outcomes involve identifying at-risk patients and providing targeted support. Examples include transitional programs focused on communication and coordination of follow up, or interventions for specific at-risk populations such as those injured by violence. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols offer another opportunity to improve health equity throughout the continuum of surgical care.

Keywords: Disparities; Food security; Health literacy; Housing security; Post-discharge outcomes; Social drivers of health.