Multiple chronic conditions: the need for integrated secondary care

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Internal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Current hospital care models are predominantly disease-specific and siloed.
• Patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) require coordinated management.
• Secondary outpatient care settings present unique challenges for MCC patients.

Observation:

• Three case reports detail patient experiences in Dutch secondary outpatient care.
• These journeys highlight the complexities of managing MCC within existing structures.
• Varied patient pathways underscore the need for adaptable care models.

Findings:

• Fragmented care pathways were observed for patients with MCC.
• Disease-specific and monodisciplinary approaches were insufficient for comprehensive MCC management.
• The case reports illustrate the potential benefits of a more integrated care strategy.

Implications:

• Integrated care models are crucial for optimizing outcomes in patients with MCC.
• Healthcare systems should consider multidisciplinary approaches for complex patient populations.
• Further research into implementing integrated care in secondary outpatient settings is warranted.