Differences in NH Palliative Care for Black and Hispanic Residents

Palliative care in nursing homes (NHs) varies by region with notable differences observed among higher concentrated areas of Black and Hispanic residents, according to a study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine.

Study authors conducted a cross-sectional, multivariable analysis to determine the weight of health care inequity and disparities related to palliative care in NHs using NH palliative care services national survey data as well as administrative data.

The concentration of Black and Hispanic residents was compared to unadjusted, weighted mean palliative care services and computed NH-level multivariable linear regressions in 869 NHs across the United States.

“Fewer palliative care services were reported in NHs in the Northeast, for which >10% of the resident population was Black, and NHs in the West for which >10% was Hispanic vs NHs with <3% of the population being Black and Hispanic (-13.7; P < .001 and -9.3; P < .05, respectively),” stated study authors.

According to the authors, about 25% of all deaths in the United States occur in NHs.

“Our findings suggest that greater investment in NH palliative care services may be an important strategy to advance health equity in end-of-life care for Black and Hispanic residents,” stated authors of the study.

Reference:
Estrada LV, Harrison JM, Dick AW, Luchsinger JA, Dhingra L, Stone PW. Examining regional differences in nursing home palliative care for Black and Hispanic residents. J Palliat Med. Published online February 10, 2022. doi:10.1089/jpm.2021.0416