EVALUATION OF EQUITY IN HOSPICE CARE UTILIZATION AMONG MEDICARE-ENROLLED AUTISTIC OLDER ADULTS
2024

Hospice Care Utilization in Autistic Older Adults

Sample size: 15802 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bishop Lauren, Nikahd Melica, Hyer J Madison, Hand Brittany

Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin Madison

Hypothesis

Are there inequities in hospice care utilization between autistic older adults and non-autistic older adults?

Conclusion

Autistic older adults have similar hospice utilization patterns as non-autistic peers.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study compared hospice claims from Medicare for autistic and non-autistic older adults.
  • Results showed similar odds of hospice utilization across both groups.
  • Interaction terms assessed the impact of sex, race, and rurality on hospice utilization.

Takeaway

This study looked at how autistic older people use hospice care compared to others, and found they use it just as much.

Methodology

The study used multivariable logistic regression to compare hospice utilization between autistic and matched non-autistic older adults.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 5,468 autistic older adults and 10,934 matched non-autistic older adults.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.98-1.13

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2171

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