A Methodological Approach for Implementing an Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model: Results from the Pre-Implementation Stage of Joint Action CHRODIS-PLUS

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2019-12, Vol.16 (24), p.5044
• Main Authors: Palmer, Katie, Carfì, Angelo, Angioletti, Carmen, Di Paola, Antonella, Navickas, Rokas, Dambrauskas, Laimis, Jureviciene, Elena, João Forjaz, Maria, Rodriguez-Blazquez, Carmen, Prados-Torres, Alexandra, Gimeno-Miguel, Antonio, Cano-Del Pozo, Mabel, Bestué-Cardiel, María, Leiva-Fernández, Francisca, Poses Ferrer, Elisa, Carriazo, Ana M, Lama, Carmen, Rodríguez-Acuña, Rafael, Cosano, Inmaculada, Bedoya-Belmonte, Juan José, Liseckiene, Ida, Barbolini, Mirca, Txarramendieta, Jon, de Manuel Keenoy, Esteban, Fullaondo, Ane, Rijken, Mieke, Onder, Graziano
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chronic Disease - therapy; Chronic illnesses; Comorbidity; Decision making; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - methods; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated - organization & administration; Female; Humans; Intervention; Lithuania; Male; Meetings; Middle Aged; Multimorbidity; Patient Care Planning - organization & administration; Patients; Pilot Projects; Program Development; Questionnaires; Rome; Side effects; Spain; Strategic planning; Threat evaluation; Working groups
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245044

Patients with multimorbidity (defined as the co-occurrence of multiple chronic diseases) frequently experience fragmented care, which increases the risk of negative outcomes. A recently proposed Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model aims to overcome many issues related to fragmented care. In the context of Joint Action CHRODIS-PLUS, an implementation methodology was developed for the care model, which is being piloted in five sites. We aim to (1) explain the methodology used to implement the care model and (2) describe how the pilot sites have adapted and applied the proposed methodology. The model is being implemented in Spain (Andalusia and Aragon), Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas), and Italy (Rome). Local implementation working groups at each site adapted the model to local needs, goals, and resources using the same methodological steps: (1) Scope analysis; (2) situation analysis-"strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats" (SWOT) analysis; (3) development and improvement of implementation methodology; and (4) final development of an action plan. This common implementation strategy shows how care models can be adapted according to local and regional specificities. Analysis of the common key outcome indicators at the post-implementation phase will help to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness, as well as highlight any difficulties in adapting a common Integrated Multimorbidity Care Model in different countries and clinical settings.