Satisfaction With Care Coordination for Families of Children With Disabilities

Abstract

Children with disabilities have significant health care needs, and receipt of care coordinator services may reduce caregiver burdens. The present study assessed caregivers' experience and satisfaction with care coordination. Caregivers of Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities (n = 2,061) completed a survey (online or by telephone) collecting information on the caregivers' experiences and satisfaction with care coordination using the Family Experiences with Coordination of Care questionnaire. Eighty percent of caregivers with a care coordinator reported receiving help making specialist appointments, and 71% reported help obtaining community services. Caregivers who reported that the care coordinator helped with specialist appointments or was knowledgeable, supportive, and advocating for children had increased odds of satisfaction (odds ratio = 3.46, 95% confidence interval = [1.01, 11.77] and odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.11], respectively). Findings show opportunities for improving care coordination in Medicaid-enrolled children with disabilities and that some specific elements of care coordination may enhance caregiver satisfaction with care.