Imaging Utilization and Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations during COVID-19 in New York City | JoVE Visualize

Imaging Utilization and Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations during COVID-19 in New York City

Dennis Toy¹, Syed S Mahmood¹, Jessica Rotman¹

¹Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (D.T., J.R., L.K.G., S.V.W., J.G.E., A.C.L., A.S.M., J.F.G., Q.A.T); Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (S.S.M., E.P.C., Q.A.T); Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (T.B., L.B); Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY (Y.C., P.R., O.Z); Information Technologies & Services, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (S.A).

Radiology. Cardiothoracic Imaging|March 29, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Elderly patients faced significantly higher mortality from COVID-19, while racial/ethnic minorities and those with socioeconomic disadvantage had similar or better outcomes. Access to inpatient care is crucial for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

Area of Science:

Medical Imaging
Public Health
Epidemiology

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations.
Understanding disparities in care and outcomes for these groups is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess imaging utilization among elderly, racial/ethnic minority, and socioeconomic status (SES) disadvantaged COVID-19 patients.
To determine if specific vulnerable subgroups experience worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 1121 COVID-19 positive adult patients from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital system.
Evaluation of imaging utilization rates and clinical outcomes, including mortality.
Stratification of patients by age, race/ethnicity, and SES.

Main Results:

Elderly patients showed higher imaging use, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and a >4-fold increased mortality risk.
Racial/ethnic minorities had fewer ICU admissions and reduced mortality hazard compared to non-minorities.
Patients with SES disadvantage experienced similar imaging use and outcomes as their counterparts.

Conclusions:

Elderly individuals represent the highest mortality risk group for COVID-19 in this hospitalized cohort.
Racial/ethnic minorities and SES disadvantaged groups demonstrated comparable or better outcomes, emphasizing the importance of inpatient medical access.
The study highlights the critical role of equitable access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations during pandemics.