Identifying Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes in Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures in South Australia

The study aimed to identify patient demographic characteristics that could predict disparities in mortality, readmission, and discharge outcomes after surgical and non-surgical procedures in South Australia. The retrospective cohort study included 40,882 admissions at major metropolitan public hospitals. Results showed that increased age, higher comorbidity burden, emergency admission, and male sex were associated with higher mortality rates. Additionally, being identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) and being born in Australia were linked to increased readmission rates and decreased likelihood of discharge directly home, highlighting the need for interventions to improve equity in healthcare.