Health Services Utilization in Older Adults with Dementia Receiving CareCoordination: The MIND at Home Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate effects of a novel dementia care coordination program on health services utilization. Data Sources/Study SettingA total of 303 community-dwelling adults aged 70 with a cognitive disorder in Baltimore, Maryland (2008-2011). Study DesignSingle-blind RCT evaluating efficacy of an 18-month care coordination intervention delivered through community-based nonclinical care coordinators, supported by an interdisciplinary clinical team. Data Collection/Extraction MethodsStudy partners reported acute care/inpatient, outpatient, and home- and community-based service utilization at baseline, 9, and 18months. Principal FindingsFrom baseline to 18months, there were no significant group differences in acute care/inpatient or total outpatient services use, although intervention participants had significantly increased outpatient dementia/mental health visits from 9 to 18months (p=.04) relative to controls. Home and community-based support service use significantly increased from baseline to 18months in the intervention compared to control (p=.005). ConclusionsWhile this dementia care coordination program did not impact acute care/inpatient services utilization, it increased use of dementia-related outpatient medical care and nonmedical supportive community services, a combination that may have helped participants remain at home longer. Future care model modifications that emphasize delirium, falls prevention, and behavior management may be needed to influence inpatient service use.