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ABSTRACT: Background
Patients with chronic disease have become one of the major challenges for health and social protection systems in developed countries. Integrated care models (ICM) have demonstrably improved the quality of care of chronic patients. However, new models of integration need further evaluation of its effectiveness and outcomes.Methods
The ICM studied promoted coordination between the health and social sectors during a 6-month period, through an ad hoc developed application (app) that enabled a constant flow of communication between professionals from both sectors. Patients' quality of life, treatment adherence, chronic patient experience and caregiver overload were assessed by questionnaires at baseline, at the end of the intervention and 6 months post-intervention.Results
The implementation of the new health and social ICM permitted new case detection and medical and social services offered to chronic patients. Furthermore, the quality of life and treatment adherence of patients and caregiver overload were significantly improved. These positive effects lasted at least 6 months after the intervention.Conclusions
Integrated care may facilitate access to care services, increase perceived patient quality of life and treatment adherence. Enhanced access to medical and social services from complex chronic patients may have important implications for caregivers and the care systems who are struggling to adapt to an expanding demand.
SUBMITTER: Gavalda-Espelta E
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10573743 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct-Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Gavaldà-Espelta Ester E Del Mar Lleixà-Fortuño Maria M Baucells-Lluis Jordi J Ferré-Ferraté Maria M Tomàs-Navarro Begoña B Curto-Romeu Claudia C Lucas-Noll Jorgina J Ariza Macarena Pozo MP Castro-Blanco Elisabet E Fernández Sáez José J Martín Carina Aguilar CA Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga AQ Ferré-Grau Carmen C
International journal of integrated care 20231011 4
<h4>Background</h4>Patients with chronic disease have become one of the major challenges for health and social protection systems in developed countries. Integrated care models (ICM) have demonstrably improved the quality of care of chronic patients. However, new models of integration need further evaluation of its effectiveness and outcomes.<h4>Methods</h4>The ICM studied promoted coordination between the health and social sectors during a 6-month period, through an <i>ad hoc</i> developed appl ...[more]