摘要：To assess the effects of physician–patient racial concordance and continuity of care on hypertension outcomes, we described patterns of care for hypertension; we used cross-tabulations and repeated measures (generalized estimating equations) analyses with panel survey data from elderly persons interviewed and examined in 1987 and 1990. Continuity of care was associated with recognition of hypertension, receipt of medication, and lower incidence of undetected hypertension. Physician race had little effect, but continuity is important for successful management of hypertension in older persons. Despite progress in hypertension management, African American persons 1 , 2 have lower rates of recognition, treatment, and control of hypertension than do White persons. 3 , 4 Elderly persons have similar hypertension treatment rates but poorer control than do younger persons. Demographic dissimilarities underlie doctor–patient communication difficulties affecting health outcomes, 5 – 11 whereas patient–provider racial concordance correlates with patient participation in care, satisfaction, and treatment adherence. 12 – 19 Stability in doctor–patient relationships correlates with patient satisfaction and access to care. 1 This study assessed how physician–patient continuity and racial concordance 5 , 20 affect hypertension diagnosis and medication use in White and African American elderly patients.
