Prehospital Surgical Disparities

Racial and ethnic disparities in health care, including surgery, are well-documented and linked to worse outcomes for minority groups. Social determinants of health-such as living environment, access to care, and prehospital factors-play a significant role in shaping surgical risk and recovery. Neighborhood socioeconomic status, built environment, pollution, and health literacy all contribute to disparities, with disadvantaged communities facing higher rates of advanced disease, complications, and worse perioperative outcomes. Geographic and infrastructure barriers further limit access to specialized care. These environmental and social factors often interact, compounding risks and perpetuating inequities in surgical care and outcomes.