Experiences of care coordination among older adults in the United States: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study

Abstract

Introduction: The goal of this study was to examine variation in patient experiences and perceptions of care coordination across sociodemographic and health factors.

Methods: Data come from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (N = 1, 216). Three domains of coordination were assessed: 1) Perceptions (e.g., patient impressions of provider-provider communication), 2) Tangible supports (e.g., meeting with a care coordinator, being accompanied to appointments), and 3) Technical supports (e.g., use of a "patient portal"). Logistic regression was used to quantify the frequency of each domain and examine variation by racial minority status, socioeconomic status, and health status.

Results: Approximately 42% of older adults perceived poor care coordination, including 14.8% who reported receiving seemingly conflicting advice from different providers. Only one-third had ever met with a formal care coordinator, and 40% were occasionally accompanied to appointments. Although racial minorities were less likely to have access to technical supports, they were more likely to use them. Better perceived coordination was associated with higher care satisfaction (Odds Ratio: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.27-1.61).

Conclusions: Important gaps in care coordination remain for older adults.

Practice implications: Providers should consider assessing patient perceptions of care coordination to address these gaps in an equitable manner.

Keywords: Care coordination; Care management; Disparities; Patient-centered care.