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Differences in patient perceptions of integrated care among black, hispanic, and white Medicare beneficiaries
Author(s) -
Ling Emilia J.,
Frean Molly,
So Jody,
Tietschert Maike,
Song Nancy,
Covington Christian,
Bahadurazada Hassina,
Khurana Sonia,
Garcia Luis,
Singer Sara J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health services research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.706
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1475-6773
pISSN - 0017-9124
DOI - 10.1111/1475-6773.13637
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , ethnic group , medicine , beneficiary , demography , gerontology , health equity , health care , public health , environmental health , population , nursing , finance , sociology , anthropology , economics , economic growth
Objective This study sought to identify potential disparities among racial/ethnic groups in patient perceptions of integrated care (PPIC) and to explore how methodological differences may influence measured disparities. Data Source Data from Medicare beneficiaries who completed the 2015 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) and were enrolled in Part A benefits for an entire year. Study Design We used 4‐point measures of eight dimensions of PPIC and assessed differences in dimensions among racial/ethnic groups. To estimate differences, we applied a “rank and replace” method using multiple regression models in three steps, balancing differences in health status among racial groups and adjusting for differences in socioeconomic status. We reran all analyses with additional SES controls and using standard multiple variable regression. Data Collection/Extraction Methods Not applicable. Principal Findings We found several significant differences in perceived integrated care between Black versus White (three of eight measures) and Hispanic versus White (one of eight) Medicare beneficiaries. On average, Black beneficiaries perceived more integrated support for self‐care than did White beneficiaries (mean difference = 0.14, SE = 0.06, P =.02). Black beneficiaries perceived more integrated specialists’ knowledge of past medical history than did White beneficiaries (mean difference = 0.12, SE = 0.06, P =.01). Black and Hispanic beneficiaries also each reported, on average, 0.18 more integrated medication and home health management than did White beneficiaries ( P <.01 and P <.01). These findings were robust to sensitivity analyses and model specifications. Conclusions There exist some aspects of care for which Black and Hispanic beneficiaries may perceive greater integrated care than non‐Hispanic White beneficiaries. Further studies should test theories explaining why racial/ethnic groups perceive differences in integrated care.