Disparity on Unplanned Readmission in Melanoma Patients: A National Cancer Database Analysis

Abstract

Background/aim: This study aimed to analyze associated factors of 30-day hospital readmission after surgery for melanoma.

Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of postoperative 30-day unplanned readmission in patients with melanoma in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Results: Higher odds of unplanned readmission were found in non-white patients compared to white, uninsured patients compared to those with private insurance, tumors with invasive behavior compared to in situ, presence of ulceration, American Joint Committee on Cancer stages greater than II, and location in the extremities. Lower odds of unplanned readmission were found in women living in areas where the percentage of adults who did not graduate from high school was below 13.0% with an annual income of $38,000 or more, who were treated in Academic/Research Programs or Integrated Network Cancer Programs.

Conclusion: Non-white patients and low-income zip-codes were associated with unplanned readmission.

Keywords: Melanoma; disparities; length of stay/statistics & numerical data; outcome and process assessment; patient readmission; quality of health care; surgical treatment.