Systematic Review of Racial/Ethnic Outcome Disparities in Home Health Care

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Disparities
• Minority Health

Background:

• Extensive evidence shows healthcare disparities for U.S. minority patients.
• The extent of these disparities in home health care is unclear.
• This review focuses on adult patients receiving skilled intermittent home health care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the relationship between race/ethnicity and patient outcomes in home health care.
• To identify disparities in care experienced by minority populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched CINHAL, Medline, and Web of Science databases.
• Included studies evaluated adult outcomes from Medicare-certified agencies using federal race/ethnicity categories.

Main Results:

• Seven good-to-high quality studies were identified.
• All studies found significant race/ethnicity-related differences in patient outcomes.
• Minority patients experienced more adverse events, less functional improvement, and worse experiences.

Conclusions:

• Home health care disparities based on race/ethnicity are evident.
• Efforts are needed to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
• Ensuring equitable care for all patients is crucial.