Equity in the diagnosis of chest pain: race and gender

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Health Equity Research
• Cardiology Outcomes

Background:

• Chest pain is a common emergency department presentation.
• Ensuring equitable treatment for all patients, regardless of race or gender, is critical.
• Previous studies suggest potential disparities in emergency care, but specific data on chest pain treatment is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate racial and gender-based equity in the emergency room management of chest pain.
• To identify if patient demographics influence diagnostic and treatment pathways for acute chest pain.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 379 patient records presenting with chest pain.
• Statistical analysis using ANCOVA and logistic regression.
• Consideration of covariates including age, clinic, comorbid conditions, and insurance status.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant racial differences were observed in treatment, but not gender differences.
• Black patients had longer wait times for electrocardiograms (EKG) compared to white patients.
• Black patients were less likely to receive cardiac catheterization but more likely to receive echocardiography.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a clear lack of racial equity in the emergency treatment of chest pain.
• Disparities in diagnostic testing and intervention pathways based on race were identified.
• Further research is warranted to address and mitigate these identified inequities in emergency care.