Study Objective
New York City Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst (EHC) in Queens, New York is one the most diverse populations in the United States of America and in the world. During the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic, EHC was deemed the “epicenter of the epicenter” due to high rates of Covid-19 infection in the patient population and the disproportionate number of minorities affected by the virus. This study seeks to examine the effects of various social determinants of health on patient outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic and to assess contributing factors which put these patients at increased risk.
Methods
This retrospective chart review included review of 2216 patients with 2254 unique emergency department (ED) visits to EHC with positive SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) tests. Data were extracted from Epic into REDCap. Groups were stratified based on their occupation, race and ethnicity, insurance status, sex, language and zip code with primary endpoints being rates of mortality, delayed ED presentation (defined as ED visit after 1 week of symptoms), severity of symptoms on arrival, and number of COVID-19-related hospital visits (ie, bounce backs). Final data were extracted and analyzed using statistical analysis software.
Results
Preliminary data is currently being extracted from the chart review and being analyzed.
Conclusions
Given that the data is currently under active extraction and analysis, initial conclusions cannot be discussed. It is hypothesized that the data will highlight disparities and gaps in health care and outcomes that may be utilized to better inform future care and allow for increased preparedness for the next pandemic, specifically focusing on reducing care barriers for those most at risk.