The Effect of Guided Care Teams on the Use of Health Services
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
This study aimed to investigate the affects of guided care on health care utilization with adults over 65 with multiple chronic conditions who were at high risk of health care use. The program randomized eligible patients into two groups: one receiving guided care and one receiving usual care. The patients were observed for a 20-month period between November 2006 and June 2008. Patients receiving guided care were provided with a guided care nurse who administered eight services in conjunction with the patients primary care physician: comprehensive assessment, evidence-based care planning, monthly monitoring of symptoms and adherence, transitional care, coordination of health care professionals, support for self-management, support for family caregivers, and enhanced access to community services.The study measured the frequency of use of emergency departments, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, primary care physician services, and specialty physician services.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this study was to determine the effect of interdisciplinary primary care teams on health care utilization by patients with multiple chronic conditions.
Impact
This study concluded that guided care models can significantly impact home health care episodes.
Results / Accomplishments
There was a 30% reduction in episodes of home health care with patients in the intervention group, a statistically significant effect.
About this Promising Practice
Primary Contact
Chad Boult
Department of Health Policy and Management
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
624 N Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
tnovak@jhsph.edu
Department of Health Policy and Management
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
624 N Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21205
tnovak@jhsph.edu
Topics
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Date of publication
3/14/2011
Date of implementation
11/1/2006
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Older Adults