Embrace, a model for integrated elderly care: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness regarding patient outcomes, service use, costs, and quality of care

Sophie L W Spoorenberg, Ronald J Uittenbroek, Berrie Middel, Berry P H Kremer, Sijmen A Reijneveld, Klaske Wynia

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Abstract

Background: Ongoing growth in health care expenditures and changing patterns in the demand for health care challenge societies worldwide. The Chronic Care Model (CCM), combined with classification for care needs based on Kaiser Permanente (KP) Triangle, may offer a suitable framework for change. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of Embrace, a population-based model for integrated elderly care, regarding patient outcomes, service use, costs, and quality of care.

Methods/Design: The CCM and the KP Triangle were translated to the Dutch setting and adapted to the full elderly population living in the community. A randomized controlled trial with balanced allocation was designed to test the effectiveness of Embrace. Eligible elderly persons are 75 years and older and enrolled with one of the participating general practitioner practices. Based on scores on the INTERMED-Elderly Self-Assessment and Groningen Frailty Indicator, participants will be stratified into one of three strata: (A) robust; (B) frail; and (C) complex care needs. Next, participants will be randomized per stratum to Embrace or care as usual. Embrace encompasses an Elderly Care Team per general practitioner practice, an Electronic Elderly Record System, decision support instruments, and a self-management support and prevention program - combined with care and support intensity levels increasing from stratum A to stratum C. Primary outcome variables are patient outcomes, service use, costs, and quality of care. Data will be collected at baseline, twelve months after starting date, and during the intervention period.

Discussion: This study could provide evidence for the effectiveness of Embrace.


Original languageEnglish
Article number62
Number of pages11
JournalBMC Geriatrics
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19-Jun-2013

Keywords

  • Integrated health care systems
  • Population-based care
  • Chronic Care Model
  • Ageing
  • Chronic disease
  • Patient outcomes
  • Quality of care
  • Cost effectiveness
  • CHRONIC ILLNESS CARE
  • GRONINGEN FRAILTY INDICATOR
  • MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS
  • IMPROVING PRIMARY-CARE
  • GUIDED CARE
  • HEALTH-CARE
  • GENERAL-PRACTICE
  • OLDER PERSONS
  • SELF-REPORT
  • MANAGEMENT

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