Hispanic and Native American patients with diabetes are discharged far less to home health from hospitals compared with White patients, according to a recent study.
The study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found home healthcare especially benefits older adults with diabetes through individual education, advocacy, care coordination and psychological support with caregivers. But there appear to be racial disparities among Hispanics and Native Americans compared with Whites who were released to home health following a 14-day diabetes-related hospitalization.
The study looked at patients who had been enrolled in Medicare for at least 12 months. The study said efforts should be made to reduce the racial/ethnic disparities. These include policies and practice guidelines that address structural racism and systemic barriers to accessing home health care services.
