Safety net hospitals, serving economically disadvantaged patients, exhibit a 1.29 times increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) after gastrointestinal surgery compared to non-safety net hospitals. Despite adjustments for socioeconomic factors, this heightened risk persists, challenging the efficacy of existing financial incentive programs in reducing SSIs. Proposing the need for specific adjustments in infection rate assessments for safety net hospitals, this study urges a comprehensive evaluation of risk factors to address healthcare disparities.
Journal Article by Ngo L, Quintero L and Parreco JP in JAMA Surg