Racial Disparities in Care Interactions and Clinical Outcomes in Black Versus White Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

Background With the increase in Black nursing home residents, racial and ethnic disparities in quality of care have been raised. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate racial disparities in care and outcomes over 12 months. Methods This was a secondary data analysis using data from the Evidence Integration Triangle for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia study. A total of 553 residents, 24% Black residents and 76% White residents, from 55 nursing homes were included. Results Differences favoring Black resident were noted in agitation, quality of life, inclusion of person-centered care approaches in care plans, and fewer falls and hospitalizations. Differences in quality-of-care interactions favored White residents. There were no differences in depression, resistiveness to care, function, pain, or transfers to the emergency department. Conclusions Disparities in clinical outcomes were small and generally favored Black versus White residents except for quality-of-care interactions.