Access to Social Work Services in Home Health Care
Author Information
Author(s): Burgdorf Julia, Barron-Vaya Yolanda, Goodman Jeri, McDonald Margaret
Primary Institution: VNS Health, New York, New York, United States
Hypothesis
What factors influence access to social work services during home health care?
Conclusion
Access to social work services in home health care is limited and influenced by both patient needs and agency characteristics.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 11.3% of home health patients received social work services.
- Patients without family caregivers were more likely to receive social work services.
- Non-profit home health agencies were more likely to provide social work services.
Takeaway
Only a small number of patients getting home health care also see a social worker, and this depends on things like their race and whether they have a caregiver.
Methodology
Analyzed 2018 linked home health claims, assessment, and agency data using a multilevel logistic model.
Limitations
The study is limited to Medicare home health patients and may not generalize to other populations.
Participant Demographics
The study included a national sample of Medicare home health patients, with notable factors like race and Medicaid enrollment affecting access.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.62-1.71 for Black patients receiving SW
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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