To examine: (1) what elements of patient‐centered medical homes (s) are typically provided to low‐income populations, (2) whether s improve health behaviors, experiences, and outcomes for low‐income groups.
Data Sources/Study Setting
Existing literature on utilization among health care organizations serving low‐income populations.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Data Collection/Extraction Methods
We obtained papers through existing systematic and literature reviews and via PubMed, Web of Science, and the TRIP databases, which examined PCMHs serving low‐income populations. A total of 434 studies were reviewed. Thirty‐three articles met eligibility criteria.
Patient‐centered medical home interventions usually were composed of five of the six recommended components. Overall positive effect of interventions was = 0.247 (range −0.965 to 1.42). patients had better clinical outcomes ( = 0.395), higher adherence (0.392), and lower utilization of emergency rooms ( = −0.248), but there were apparent limitations in study quality.
Evidence shows that the model can increase health outcomes among low‐income populations. However, limitations to quality include no assessment for confounding variables. Implications are discussed.
