Satisfaction With Care Coordination for Families of Children With Disabilities

J Pediatr Health Care. 2019 May-Jun;33(3):255-262. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2018.08.010. Epub 2018 Nov 16.

Abstract

Introduction: Children with disabilities have significant health care needs, and receipt of care coordinator services may reduce caregiver burdens. The present study assessed caregivers' experience and satisfaction with care coordination.

Method: Caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities (n = 2,061) completed a survey (online or by telephone) collecting information on the caregivers' experiences and satisfaction with care coordination using the Family Experiences with Coordination of Care questionnaire.

Results: Eighty percent of caregivers with a care coordinator reported receiving help making specialist appointments, and 71% reported help obtaining community services. Caregivers who reported that the care coordinator helped with specialist appointments or was knowledgeable, supportive, and advocating for children had increased odds of satisfaction (odds ratio = 3.46, 95% confidence interval = [1.01, 11.77] and odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.11], respectively).

Discussion: Findings show opportunities for improving care coordination in Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities and that some specific elements of care coordination may enhance caregiver satisfaction with care.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02304380.

Keywords: Care coordinator; caregivers; children; satisfaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / standards*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disabled Children* / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
  • Health Services Accessibility / standards*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medicaid
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Patient Care Team / standards*
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Quality of Health Care
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Transitional Care / organization & administration
  • Transitional Care / standards*
  • United States / epidemiology

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02304380