Using Care Navigation to Improve Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Older Adult Patients: Preliminary Results From a Pilot Study.

Abstract

Navigating health and social care in the United States can be difficult for people of all ages, but older adults often have multiple health problems, chronic illnesses, and disabilities that can increase the complexities of their care. To assist older adult patients and/or their caregivers with coordinating care, and providing information, advocacy, and resources, Henry Ford Health (HFH) implemented a Senior Care Navigation Program (SCNP). Older HFH patients or their caregivers were referred to the SCNP either by a provider or another member of their care team. A senior navigator (SN) then reached out to the patient/caregiver by telephone to discuss the SCNP and their support/care needs. The SN scheduled follow-up calls as needed. Patients/caregivers enrolled in Phase 1 of this pilot program were given the option to join the evaluation group. These patients were interviewed by an independent research interviewer at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-month post initial contact to complete 5 patient-reported outcomes measures. Our Phase 1 pilot has demonstrated significant improvements in the EQ5D (health-related quality of life) and two patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) measures (depression and anxiety) suggesting that the SCNP program at HFH is having a positive impact on older adult patients' health and well-being. In Phase 2, we will further evaluate the impact of the SCNP on healthcare utilization.