[Trend in potentially avoidable hospitalisations for chronic conditions in Spain]

To analyse the trend in potentially avoidable hospitalisations (PAH) in frail patients or those with chronic conditions in Spain during the period 2002-2013.

An observational, ecological study was conducted to analyse the trend in age-sex standardised rates of PAH affecting six clinical conditions, and their variation, in the 203 health care areas composing the publicly-funded health system in Spain.

During the period 2002-2013, overall PAH standardised rates decreased by 35%, but systematic variation remained moderately high, around 13% above that expected by chance. Angina admissions showed the largest reduction, followed by those for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In contrast, the prevalence of admissions for dehydration doubled.

Despite the decrease in PAH rates, systematic variation among areas remains, indicating differences in chronic care management that lead to distinct healthcare outcomes.