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

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Although coordinated care (CC) seeks to improve patient experiences and ultimately health outcomes, evidence from empirical research on the impacts of CC is mixed. This study examined the relationship between CC and healthcare outcomes over a 4-year period among older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Research Design and Methods This observational cohort study is based on data 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, and self-rated health [SRH]) and healthcare (e.g., doctor visits, hospitalization, and care satisfaction) outcomes was investigated using mixed-effects models. Results Better perceptions of CC were associated with lower odds of ADL limitations (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.84–0.99) and greater satisfaction with care (B = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.02–0.06). Receipt of more informal tangible support was associated with 1.34 higher odds of ADL limitations (95% CI = 1.19–1.51) and 1.74 higher odds of hospitalization (95% CI = 1.07–1.21). Use of technical support was associated with better SRH and greater satisfaction with care. Discussion and Implications The longitudinal relationship between CC and health is multifaceted. Although positive perceptions and more technical support have beneficial effects on health outcomes, higher utilization of tangible support may reflect a higher demand among older adults with more complex healthcare needs.