Healthcare inequality in compensation claims concerning acute hospital services: a Danish register-based study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Although citizens’ equal right to acute healthcare of appropriate quality is an oft-cited goal for modern societies, healthcare disparities may persist. We aimed to investigate inequality in compensation claims and compensation payments regarding acute healthcare services. Design and setting We conducted a cross-sectional study of compensation claim patterns using the Danish Patient Compensation Association (DPCA) registries. Participants, interventions and main outcome measures We used register data on all cases managed by DPCA relating to acute hospital healthcare for adults (aged > 18 years) from 2007 to 2017. Results In total, the DPCA had 5556 compensation claims for injuries caused by acute care services during the years 2007–2017. Age group of 50–64 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37 compared with those aged 18–49 years; P < 0.001), marriage (OR = 1.14; P < 0.001), higher income (OR = 1.55; P < 0.001) and Danish origin (OR = 1.49; P < 0.001) were statistically associated with higher odds for filing a compensation claim; men (OR = 0.83; P < 0.001) and those with many co-morbidities were much less represented (OR = 0.24; P < 0.001). Male gender (OR = 1.25; P < 0.001) and higher age (OR = 2.55 (80+ years); P < 0.001) were associated with higher odds for a compensation award. Failed diagnosis was also more often at stake in men (OR = 1.38; P < 0.001) and in patients aged 50–64 years (OR = 1.17; P < 0.001) but occurred less often in patients with multiple morbidities (OR = 0.68; P < 0.001). Conclusions Findings from our Danish material suggest some inequality in compensation claims and compensation payments regarding acute healthcare services.