149 Bridging the gap: Socioeconomic and sociodemographic disparities in tailored transition interventions for patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: This scoping review examines how socioeconomic status (SES) and sociodemographic status (SDS) disparities are considered in transition interventions for congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. By identifying gaps, it aims to guide future research and interventions to address inequities in transitional care. Methods/Study Population: A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Literature was searched from January 1990 to October 2024 and revealed 823 articles. Upon initial screening, 71 duplicates, 76 non-SES focused articles, and an additional 128 irrelevant articles were excluded. A total of 548 full-text articles were reviewed. Articles that did not focus on transition interventions for CHD patients were excluded. Studies were analyzed for factors affecting care transitions with special attention to SDS and SES factors. SDS factors were defined as age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographic location, while SES factors were defined as income level, education, employment status, and access to care. Results/Anticipated Results: Out of 548 articles reviewed, only 18 addressed SES factors, and 10 examined SDS factors in the transition from pediatric to adult care. The most common interventions were patient education (33%), care coordination (29%), and family support (21%), but they lacked tailoring to SES/SDS factors. Patients from low-income households were 50% more likely to experience care discontinuities and 40% less likely to participate in transition programs. Health literacy interventions were generic, overlooking socioeconomic differences. Tailored transition programs are needed to address low health literacy and financial barriers, potentially improving outcomes for disadvantaged patients in rural and underserved areas. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This review exposes the limited focus on SES and SDS disparities in CHD transition interventions. Disadvantaged patients face barriers like limited access to care and low health literacy. Developing tailored programs to address these gaps is crucial for enhancing transitions and improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable CHD patients.