[New integrated care model for older people admitted to Intermediate Care Units in Catalonia: A quasi-experimental study protocol]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an intermediate care model based on a system of care focused on integrated care pathways compared to the traditional model of geriatric care (usual care) in Catalonia.

Patients and methods: The design is a quasi-experimental pre-post non-randomised study with non-synchronous control group. The intervention consists of the development and implementation of integrated care pathways and the creation of specialised interdisciplinary teams in each of the processes. The two groups will be compared for demographic, clinical variables on admission and discharge, geriatric syndromes, and use of resources.

Discussion: This quasi-experimental study, aims to assess the clinical impact of the transformation of a traditional model of geriatric care to an intermediate care model in an integrated healthcare organisation. It is believed that the results of this study may be useful for future randomised controlled studies.

Keywords: Atención geriátrica; Atención integrada; Atención intermedia; Efectividad clínica; Effectiveness; Elderly care; Estudio cuasi-experimental; Integrated care; Intermediate care facilities; Quasi-experimental design.