Socioeconomic Disparities in Emergency Department Mortality: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review investigates the existing literature on socioeconomic disparities in emergency department (ED) mortality. The significance of this research stems from the increasing recognition that socioeconomic factors may play a crucial role in determining outcomes in emergency care. Addressing these disparities is essential for improving healthcare equity. Aims: The study aims to analyze the link between socioeconomic status and mortality in emergency departments. Objectives include identifying determinants, assessing methodologies, and gauging consistency across diverse populations and healthcare systems. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies in electronic databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade, focusing on ED mortality and socioeconomic status. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using predefined criteria to ensure rigor in the review process. Results: This systematic review underscores the impactful role of socioeconomic factors in emergency department (ED) mortality, revealing consistent patterns across diverse populations. Financial barriers and educational disparities significantly contribute to adverse outcomes, emphasizing the imperative to address these disparities for equitable emergency care access. Methodological heterogeneity in the reviewed studies highlights the need for standardized approaches, including common definitions for variables, outcome measures, and statistical analyses, to enhance comparability and deepen understanding of the complex relationship between socioeconomic status and ED mortality. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores socio-economic factors' substantial impact on ED mortality, emphasizing financial barriers and educational disparities. Consistent patterns across diverse populations highlight the urgency of addressing disparities for equitable emergency care access, requiring standardized approaches for improved comparability.