June 14, 2017
Europe
Publication
Strengthening governance and accountability,
Reorienting the model of care,
Coordinating services within and across sectors
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.