[Analysis of the care received by patients with advanced chronic disease in the primary care setting]

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Public Health
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Advanced chronic diseases (ACD) pose significant challenges to healthcare systems.
• Effective care programs are crucial for managing complex patient needs.
• Primary care settings play a vital role in delivering integrated care for ACD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze patient characteristics within a dedicated advanced chronic disease care program.
• To evaluate the healthcare received by patients enrolled in the 'AgéndaECA' program.
• To assess the impact of the care program on hospitalization and home care utilization.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 268 patients in the Manises Department's 'AgéndaECA' program in 2018.
• Patient characteristics, place of death, and healthcare utilization (primary and hospital care) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 80.9 years, with dementia/neurodegenerative diseases and cancer as primary diagnoses.
• Patients spent an average of 116 days in the program, with 50.6% dying at home.
• Enrollment significantly reduced hospitalizations and emergency visits while increasing home medical and nursing visits.

Conclusions:

• Home is the primary setting for care for patients with advanced chronic disease.
• The 'AgéndaECA' program effectively increased home care and reduced hospital dependency.
• Developing and evaluating primary care-based strategies is essential for improving ACD patient care.