A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that older Veterans who were admitted for COVID-19 treatment had a higher survival rate when treated at Veterans Affairs medical centers compared to local community hospitals.
The study demonstrates the disparities in COVID-19 patient outcomes between community hospitals and VA medical centers. Community hospitals treated a majority of older Veterans with severe COVID-19 and had higher mortality rates when compared to VA hospitals. While VA patients had a lower mortality rate, they were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days for further medical care.
Higher Mortality Rates in Community Hospitals
The study, conducted by researchers from the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, analyzed data from 64,856 Veterans hospitalized for severe COVID-19. It found that roughly 27 percent of Veterans in community hospitals died from COVID-19, while the death rate was 17.7 percent for Veterans treated at VA hospitals. The researchers did not provide a detailed breakdown of outcomes for individual hospitals but noted that community hospitals, especially those in rural areas, may have faced staffing and financial challenges before the pandemic, which could have impacted patient care.
Readmissions and Access to Care
The study also found that 12.7 percent of Veteran patients in community hospitals were readmitted within 30 days, compared to 14 percent of VA patients. The higher readmission rate in VA hospitals may reflect the system’s efforts to track Veterans after hospital release and improve access to primary care during care transitions. Additionally, the researchers emphasized that it is important for the VA and rural community hospitals to work together in order to maintain access to care for rural Veterans.
Factors Influencing Outcomes
The researchers highlighted several factors that could contribute to the differences in outcomes between VA and community hospitals. VA hospitals had access to antiviral medications, corticosteroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, which might have influenced patient outcomes. Furthermore, the VA’s rigorous testing protocols might have resulted in lower perceived COVID-19 mortality rates, as patients with milder illness could be diagnosed more accurately.
Limitations and Future Considerations
The study acknowledged limitations, including the lack of information on illness severity, vaccination status, and patients covered by Medicare Advantage or private insurance plans. The researchers called for further investigation to understand the sources of mortality differences and to plan optimal care during future COVID-19 surges and pandemics.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
