Factors associated with a provider's recommendation of carotid endarterectomy: implications for understanding disparities in the use of invasive procedures.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the relative importance of clinical and nonclinical factors in a provider's decision to recommend carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for a patient, with emphasis on the role of the patient's race in the provider's assessment of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

METHODS

The study was a secondary analysis of data on the use of CEA conducted in a patient sample of 355 white and black patients who were referred for evaluation for CEA and were adjudicated preoperatively as appropriate candidates for the procedure by objective criteria. The patients were from five VA medical centers nationally. The primary outcome was the provider's recommendation that the patient receive CEA. Patient factors included age, race, the degree of carotid artery stenosis, clinical status, trust in the provider, and aversion to surgery. Provider factors were assessment of the patient's risks and benefits from CEA, including perceived efficacy of the surgery, perceived risk of stroke < or =1 year without the surgery, and perceived risk of stroke < or =30 days from the surgery.

RESULTS

The primary factor associated with a provider's decision to recommend CEA was his or her assessment of the patient's risk of stroke without the surgery. The patient's race was not associated with the provider's assessments of the patient's risks or benefits from CEA.

CONCLUSION

A major determinant of a provider's recommendation for a patient to receive CEA endarterectomy is the assessment of the patient's likely future risk of stroke, regardless of the patient's race.