Patient referrals from Greenland to Rigshospitalet in Denmark

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Greenlandic citizens often require overseas specialized treatment, primarily at Denmark's Rigshospitalet.
• This study investigates patient transfer patterns from Greenland to Denmark, with a focus on cardiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the trends and patterns of specialized healthcare referrals from Greenland to Rigshospitalet, Denmark.
• To specifically examine the scope and nature of cardiology-related transfers.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive quality assurance study analyzing data from 2017-2021.
• Inclusion of all Greenlandic citizens receiving healthcare services at Rigshospitalet.
• Stratification of patients by specialty and disease course.

Main Results:

• 3,201 unique patients (56% male, mean age 51.0) received care, representing approximately 1.2% of Greenland's population annually.
• Referrals increased by 52% over the study period, with the Heart Centre receiving a significant number.
• Ischaemic heart disease was prevalent, and revascularisation rates in older adults (55-74) were comparable to the Danish population.

Conclusions:

• A substantial 52% increase in referral rates from Greenland to Rigshospitalet occurred between 2017-2021.
• Ischaemic heart disease was the primary cardiac diagnosis necessitating transfer.
• Older Greenlandic citizens exhibited high rates of coronary artery revascularisation.