Preventable hospital admissions among the homeless in California: A retrospective analysis of care for ambulatory care sensitive conditions

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Brandi,Ellis,Charles Jr,Simpson,Kit White (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background: Limited research exists that investigates hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions(ACSCs) among the homeless, who frequently lack a usual source of care. This study profiled ACSC admissions forhomeless patients.Methods: Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were completed to investigate ACSC and non-ACSC admissionsamong homeless patients using the 2010 California State Inpatient Database.Results: Homeless patients admitted for an ACSC were mostly male, non-Hispanic white, and on average 49.9 yearsold. In the predictive model, the odds of an ACSC admission among homeless patients increased when they wereblack, admitted to the emergency department or transferred from another health facility. Having Medicare wasassociated with a decreased odds of an ACSC admission.Conclusions: Specific characteristics are associated with a greater likelihood of an ACSC admission. Research shouldexamine how these characteristics contribute to ACSC hospitalizations and findings should be linked to programsdesigned to serve as a safety-net for homeless patients to reduce hospitalizations.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2014

Keywords

Homeless, Ambulatory care sensitive conditions, Primary care access

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