Coordinated Care Experiences Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Characteristics, Correlates, and Consequences for Health and Healthcare Utilization

This study examined the relationship between CC and healthcare outcomes over a four-year period among older adults with multiple chronic conditions.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This observational cohort study is based on data come from the 2016-2020 Health and Retirement Study. Analysis is limited to respondents with 2+ chronic conditions who completed an experimental module on CC in 2016 (n = 906). Three domains of CC were assessed: perceptions, informal (family/friends) and formal (healthcare staff) tangible support, and technical support (using a "patient portal"). The longitudinal relationship between CC and health (e.g., pain, functioning, self-rated health) and healthcare (e.g., doctor visits, hospitalization, care satisfaction) outcomes was investigated using mixed-effects models.RESULTS: Better perceptions of CC were associated with lower odds of functional difficulties (Odds ratio (OR)=0.92; 95% CI=0.88-0.99) and greater satisfaction with care (B=0.04, 95% CI=0.02-0.05). Receipt of more informal tangible support was associated with 2.97 higher odds of ADL limitations (95% CI: 1.69-5.22) and 1.77 higher odds of hospitalization (95% CI=1.32-2.38). Use of technical support was associated with better self-rated health and greater satisfaction with care.DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The longitudinal relationship between CC and health is multi-faceted. While positive perceptions and more technical support have beneficial effects on health outcomes, higher utilization of tan...
Source: The Gerontologist - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research