Measurement of morbidity attended in an integrated health care organization

Understanding the quality, costs and outcomes of healthcare services requires precise determination of the morbidity in a population. Measurement of morbidity in a population and its association with the services provided remains to be performed. The aim of this article was to present our experience...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gaceta sanitaria 2009-01, Vol.23 (1), p.29-37
Main Authors: Inoriza, José M, Coderch, Jordi, Carreras, Marc, Vall-Llosera, Laura, García-Goñi, Manuel, Lisbona, Josep M, Ibern, Pere
Format: Article
Language:Spanish
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Child, Preschool
Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - utilization
Female
Humans
Infant
Male
Middle Aged
Morbidity - trends
Young Adult
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Summary:Understanding the quality, costs and outcomes of healthcare services requires precise determination of the morbidity in a population. Measurement of morbidity in a population and its association with the services provided remains to be performed. The aim of this article was to present our experience of using clinical risk groups (CRGs) to measure morbidity in an integrated healthcare organization (IHO). We studied the population attended by an IHO in a county (approximately 120,000 patients) from 2002 to 2005. CRGs were used to measure morbidity. A descriptive analysis was performed of the population's distribution in CRG categories and utilization rates. One or more chronic diseases was found in 15.5% of the population, significant acute illness was found in 9%, minor chronic diseases was found in 7% and very severe diseases was found in 0.5%. Between 2002 and 2005, the number of individuals with chronic disease increased by 8%. The burden of illness increased with age. However, at all ages, at least 40% of the population remained healthy. Comorbidity in chronic illnesses was a crucial factor in explaining healthcare resource utilization. The CRG grouping system aids analysis at different levels for clinical administration. Due to its composition, this system allows better understanding of the use, costs and quality of the set of services received by a population.
ISSN:0213-9111
DOI:10.1016/j.gaceta.2008.02.003