Relationship Between Health Care Interactions and Care Partner Burden

Public Significance Statement Care partners of older adults frequently engage in healthcare interactions as part of their caregiving role, yet it is unclear how these interactions contribute to care partner burden. This study explores the relationship between care partner burden and three different types of healthcare interactions. Information gleaned from this study can help inform and provide support for person- and family-centered care practices as a means for reducing care partner burden, as well as improve quality of care and lower healthcare costs. Introduction: Older adults often rely on care partners, such as family and friends, to assist with their health-related needs associated with aging. Care partner burden is associated with higher rehospitalization rates and poorer health outcomes for older adults. This study examines the relationship between 3 types of health care interactions and care partner burden. Method: Secondary data analyses using cross-sectional data from the 2017 National Study of Caregiving were conducted. A total of 2,313 care partners (representing approximately 21.2 million) of living Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older were included in the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between health care interactions and care partner burden. Results: Care partners with burden were significantly more likely to be female (p = .049); white (p = .011); and a spouse, adult child, or grandchild of the older adult (p < .001). Logistic regression analyses showed that making medical appointments (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.13-2.07) and coordinating care between providers (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.27-2.32) were significantly associated with care partner burden. Discussion: Care partners of older adults who helped make medical appointments or coordinated care between providers were significantly more likely to report burden compared to those who did not assist with these health care interactions. It is essential that health care systems and providers determine ways to make health care interactions less burdensome for care partners. Care delivery approaches that align with family systems thinking may help reduce care partner burden by strengthening health care interactions.

Automated summary

This study examines the relationship between care partner burden and three different types of healthcare interactions, providing support and information for reducing care partner burden, improving quality of care, and lowering healthcare costs.