Challenges and improvement strategies in the hospitalization of chronic multimorbid patients

BACKGROUND Addressing the growing challenge of hospitalizing chronic multimorbid patients,this study examines the strain these conditions impose on healthcare systems at a local level,focusing on a pilot program.Chronic diseases and complex patients require comprehensive management strategies to reduce healthcare burdens and improve patient outcomes.If proven effective,this pilot model has the potential to be replicated in other healthcare settings to enhance the management of chronic multimorbid patients.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of the high complexity unit(HCU)in managing chronic multimorbid patients through a multidisciplinary care model and to compare it with standard hospital care.METHODS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the Basic Minimum Data Set(BMDS)to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.RESULTS The study employed a descriptive longitudinal approach,analyzing data from the BMDS to compare hospitalization variables among the HCU,the Internal Medicine Service,and other services at Antequera Hospital throughout 2022.The HCU,designed for patients with complex chronic conditions,integrates a patient-centered model emphasizing multidisciplinary care and continuity post-discharge.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the HCU in managing patients with complex chronic diseases through a multidisciplinary approach.The coordinated care provided by the HCU results in improved patient outcomes,reduced unnecessary hospitalizations,and better management of patient complexity.The superiority of the HCU compared to standard care is evident in key outcomes such as fewer readmissions and higher patient satisfaction,reinforcing its value as a model of care to be replicated.

Health, Aging and Quality of Life: An Evaluation of Experience in Family Health Unit through Popular Education

This study aims to assess the implementation of the Health, Aging and Quality of Life. The specific objectives were executed by conducting activities with the elderly through generative themes with an emphasis on health, aging and quality of life;evaluation of the experience of older people in Unity Family Health with Popular Education;analyzing the evolution of indicators of health and quality of life of elderly patients after two years and ascertaining the effectiveness of Popular Education in the elderly group in the Family Health Unit. This is an exploratory study approved by the Ethics and Research Committee UFPB/CCS, number 0598/08 held on Primary Health Care. The project consists of two lines of integrated activities: Group Active Ageing (GEA), which brings together seniors for addressing issues related to healthy aging and the Multidimensional Health Assessment and Quality of Life through the WHOQOL-BREF. The activities were built in fortnightly meetings from the dialogue where experiences are shared and collective needs. Thus, relevant topics were suggested for the group: guidelines on physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, self-esteem, among others, and group dynamics as body stretching, stretching exercises, respiratory, metabolic and relaxation. The observed results are the very satisfactions group, reported through testimonies and translated by the enthusiasm and diligence in participation. This project promoted a better bio-psycho-social development of the elderly, reinforcing its identity by promoting and facilitating the expression of their potential positive and arousing them to a better future life prospects and community socialization feelings.