OBJECTIVES: Disease management in patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) is complex. Effective communication with health care providers is important in engaging patients and achieving treatment goals, particularly in the minority and disadvantaged populations disproportionally affected by MCC. This study described perceived communication with physicians during non-emergency appointments among older adults with MCC and identified racial disparities in the US.

METHODS: Older adults (≥ 65 years) with two or more chronic conditions identified by clinical classification codes from the pooled US Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys (MEPS 2013-2019). Communication between patients and their physicians during non-emergency care in the last 12 months was measured by four indicators, i.e., how often their doctors explained things clearly, listened carefully, showed respect, and spent enough time with them. The response options included never, sometimes, usually, and always. The analysis applied personal weights to reflect the MEPS complex survey design and obtain national estimates. Weighted relative frequencies described responses to the four indicators of communication with physicians. Logistic regression identified racial disparities associated with reporting “always” in communication indicators.

RESULTS: A total of 9758 older adults with MCC were included in the study sample. Overall, respondents reported “always” in the four communication indicators as follows: explained things clearly (61.4%), listened carefully (64%), showed respect (68.8%), and spent enough time with them (57.5%). After adjusting for respondents’ characteristics, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks were 28% to 51% more likely to report that doctors always listened carefully, explained clearly, and showed respect during visits than Non-Hispanic Whites (p<0.001). On the contrary, Asians and other races were 21% to 29% less likely to report “always” in three indicators (p<0.001), except for listening carefully.

CONCLUSIONS: Less than 70% of older adults with MCC reported always communicating well with their physicians. Racial disparities exist between non-Hispanic White and other races.