Identifying Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether racial, ethnic, and linguistic disparities exist at discharge from an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) by examining change in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and discharge destination.

Design: This is a retrospective study using our IRF's data from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation from 2013-2019. FIM scores and discharge destination were compared between race, language, and ethnic groups, with adjustment for patient characteristics.

Setting: An urban hospital with a level 1 trauma center, comprehensive stroke center, and IRF with Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certification.

Participants: 2518 patients admitted to the IRF from 2013-2019 (N=2518).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Change in FIM score and discharge destination.

Results: After adjusting for covariates, non-White patients and patients with limited English proficiency had significantly lower functional recovery, as measured by smaller changes in FIM scores from IRF admission to discharge. Additionally, both groups were more likely to be discharged home with home health care than to a skilled nursing facility, compared with White and English-speaking patients. Disparities in discharge destination persisted within patients with noncommercial insurance (Medicaid or Medicare) and a stroke diagnosis but not within those who had commercial insurance or a nonstroke diagnosis.

Conclusions: Racial and linguistic disparities were identified within our CARF certified IRF; however, the organization is committed to reducing health care disparities. Next steps will include investigating interventions to reduce disparities.

Keywords: Functional status; Health care disparities; Patient discharge; Rehabilitation; Stroke.