Do Care Coordinators Improve the Quality of Healthcare for Older Adults in the U.S.?

Abstract

Objective

This study examined whether older adults with informal, professional, or both types of care coordinators (CCs) reported different healthcare quality than those without CCs.

Methods

Data came from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (n = 1,555) Module 10 on coordinated care. CC type and the helpfulness of professional CCs were independent variables. Outcomes included perceived confusion about care, conflicting advice from different providers, care satisfaction, and person-centered care. All multivariable regression models controlled for sociodemographic and health factors.

Results

Participants with informal CCs or both informal and professional CCs were more likely to report a lower quality of healthcare compared to participants without any CCs. Among participants who have professional CCs, having more helpful professional CCs was associated with higher quality care and more patient-centered care.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that quality of healthcare may depend on the type of CCs involved and their perceived helpfulness.