Impact of Integrated Care Model (ICM) on Direct Medical Costs in Management of Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a commonly diagnosed condition in people older than 50 years of age. In advance stage of this disease, integrated care (IC) is recommended as an optimal approach. IC allows for holistic and patient-focused care carried out at the patient´s home. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of IC on costs of care and on demand for medical services among patients included in IC. The high costs of care in advance COPD indicate the need for new forms of effective care. IC caussed a decrease in costs and in the number of hospitalization, with a simultaneous increase in the number of GP visits. 

Health assessments for health governance—concepts and methodologies

For better supporting science-governance interface, the potential of health assessments appear underrated. The aims of this article is to identify what various types of health assessment have in common; how they differ, which assessments to apply for which purpose; and what needs and options there are for future joint development. 

Health assessments for health governance—concepts and methodologies

For better supporting the science-governance interface, the potencial of health assessments appears underrated. The aims of this study are to identify what various types of health assessment have in common, how they differ; which assessments to apply for which purpose; and what needs and options there are for future joint development. 

Can chronic disease be managed through integrated care cost-effectively? Evidence from a systematic review.

The increase in demand for integrated care models to manage chronic disease is a challenge for the Irish health system, which is traditionally organised around the acute hospital services. Implementing integrated care programmes requires significant investment, and thus, their economic impact requires consideration.

AIMS:This paper updates the previous evidence on the cost-effectiveness of integrated care programmes to support the development of a cost-effective integrated care programme for chronic disease management.

METHODS: A systematic review of economic evaluations of integrated care programmes for chronic diseases (respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes and musculoskeletal diseases) was performed using methods guided by the principles of conducting systematic reviews. The evidence was combined and summarised using a narrative synthesis. A meta-analysis of the evidence was not performed due to the heterogeneity of interventions and associated outcomes.

RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria; no study considered an integrated model of care that dealt with more than ...

Implementing integrated care for multi-morbidity: analysis of experiences in 17 European programmes

Many countries are experimenting with new models of care provision and numerous integrated care programmes have been established internationally. However, little information is available on how to implement integrated care. The aim of this study was to provide more in-depth insights in the implementation of integrated care for developers and managers of integrated care programmes, policy makers, health insurers, and researchers.