Impact of Integrating Social and Health Home Care Services in Catalonia: A Retrospective Cohort-Based Two-Year Study

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating social and health home care services (HCSs) on institutionalization, survival, and utilization of health and social care services and associated expenditures. Methods: Retrospective study including all individuals who initiated soc...

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Published in:International journal of integrated care Vol. 25; no. 2; p. 15
Main Authors: Vela, Emili, Contel, Joan Carles, Vila, Anna, Santaeugènia, Sebastià J., Suñol, Rosa, Amblàs-Novellas, Jordi, Barbeta, Conxita, Plaza, Aina, Hilarión, Pilar
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Ubiquity Press 01.04.2025
Subjects:
cost-effectiveness
health and social care services utilization
home care services
impact of integration
integrated care
social care
impact of integration
cost-effectiveness
health and social care services utilization
social care
integrated care
home care services
ISSN:1568-4156, 1568-4156
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating social and health home care services (HCSs) on institutionalization, survival, and utilization of health and social care services and associated expenditures. Methods: Retrospective study including all individuals who initiated social HCSs for dependent people in Catalonia during 2018–2019 with a paired case-control, pre/post design (differences-in-differences), using integrated data from the Autonomy and Dependency Care System database and the Catalan Health Surveillance System. Individuals were categorized based on their perceived level of integration in the residing areas (high level: Case Group, and low level: Control Group). Results: We included 4381 cases and 13143 matched controls. HCS integration decreased the risk of institutionalization in a nursing home by 19.5% and the length of stays in any center by 7.7%. Integration increased day centers’ use by 23.7% and primary care service utilization by 3.0%, and also reduced associated social expenditures after HCS initiation by 19.1% and overall social and health expenditures by 2.6%. Conclusion: Integration of social and health HCSs resulted in a shift from institutionalization services to primary care services and day care centers, prolonging recipients’ lives in their homes.
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ISSN:1568-4156
1568-4156
DOI:10.5334/ijic.8909