A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines the relationship between volume and outcomes for surgeons performing procedures for spinal metastases.
The study included 3,135 patients who underwent surgery performed by 1,488 surgeons at 162 hospitals. Researchers gathered the data from the Florida State Inpatient Database for procedures performed from 2011 to 2014. They examined data on the 90-day episode of care and found:
1. Surgeons at low-volume hospitals had significantly higher odds of postoperative complications and readmissions.
2. Low-volume surgeons were associated with higher complication rates and readmissions.
3. African-Americans and Hispanics were less likely to receive intervention from high volume surgeons or at high volume hospitals.
4. The study outlined a clear relationship between volume and outcomes for spinal metastases surgical treatment; high-volume surgeons were associated with fewer complications and readmissions.
5. Study authors noted the racial and ethnic disparity in access to surgeons and providers with the best outcomes. "Reorganization of care for these conditions may help improve access to high-volume providers and mitigate disparities in care," concluded the study authors.