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.