Improving Access and Equity for Transplant: A Single-Center Experience
S. Kodali1, A. Lopez2, C. Egwim2, J. Alegria2, S. Yi2, H. Adrogue2, M. Moaddab2, H. Huang2, I. Hussain2, M. Kassi2, J. Ontiveros2, R. Guardiola2, J. Alexander2, D. Harvey2, K. Maresh2, S. Zylicz2, L. Loza2, J. Corkrean2, A. O. Gaber2, R. M. Ghobrial1
1Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease & Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 2Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
Meeting: 2022 American Transplant Congress
Abstract number: 1192
Keywords: Hispanic, Liver transplantation, Patient education, Psychosocial
Topic: Clinical Science » Organ Inclusive » 70 - Non-Organ Specific: Disparities to Outcome and Access to Healthcare
Session Information
Session Name: Non-Organ Specific: Disparities to Outcome and Access to Healthcare
Session Type: Poster Abstract
Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Session Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Presentation Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Hynes Halls C & D
*Purpose: Many Hispanic Americans have misconceptions about transplantation due to language and cultural differences, which can make them less likely to undergo liver transplant (LT) services relative to other ethnicities.
*Methods: A retrospective review of our center’s (Houston, TX) data was performed to identify and mitigate potential barriers to access and care for this population, which comprises 39.7% of our state’s population, so all patients have equity and access to care. Patients receiving LT between January 2020 and October 2021 (n=173) were analyzed and results were compared to two other transplant centers in Houston and statewide averages.
*Results: Our center transplanted significantly fewer Hispanic patients than other centers in our area, but 1-year outcomes were statistically similar across all ethnicities. However, our ongoing efforts resulted in a 28% increase in year-over-year Hispanic LT numbers between 2020 and 2021 to date. Through October, Hispanic patients received LT at a rate equal to their referrals (28%). We also analyzed the reasons Hispanic patients were not eligible for transplant at our center. Patients were unable to receive LT due to problems with insurance (49%), psychosocial contraindications (14%), and medical contraindications (11%).
*Conclusions: Continued outreach and education efforts will help us provide much-needed LT services to this important population.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Kodali S, Lopez A, Egwim C, Alegria J, Yi S, Adrogue H, Moaddab M, Huang H, Hussain I, Kassi M, Ontiveros J, Guardiola R, Alexander J, Harvey D, Maresh K, Zylicz S, Loza L, Corkrean J, Gaber AO, Ghobrial RM. Improving Access and Equity for Transplant: A Single-Center Experience [abstract]. Am J Transplant. 2022; 22 (suppl 3). https://atcmeetingabstracts.com/abstract/improving-access-and-equity-for-transplant-a-single-center-experience/. Accessed November 21, 2024.« Back to 2022 American Transplant Congress