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ICARE4EU: the availability of integrated care programmes addressing multi-morbidity in 31 European countries.

Rijken, M., Struckmann, V., Ginneken, E. van. ICARE4EU: the availability of integrated care programmes addressing multi-morbidity in 31 European countries. European Journal of Public Health: 2014, 24(suppl. 2), p. 206. Abstract: 7th European Public Health Conference 'Mind the Gap: Reducing Inequalities in health and health care'. 19-22 November 2014, Glasgow.
Background: Innovation in chronic illness care is urgently called for, since most care delivery models are not adapted to the needs of the growing number of people with multi-morbidity. Moreover, innovation is necessary to provide good quality care with limited financial as well as human resources. Integrated care models have the potential to meet the complex needs of people with multi-morbidity, while making efficient use of resources. Methods: The Innovating care for people with multiple chronic conditions in Europe (ICARE4EU) project (2013-2016) aims
to describe, analyze and disseminate innovative solutions of patient centered multidisciplinary care programmes for multimorbidity patients in 31 European countries. Data about innovative care programmes and country specific information is collected from expert organizations in all countries with online surveys. Results: Preliminary results show that out of 31 countries in 17 countries at least one integrated care programme can be identified. First survey results will be presented, including estimations regarding the availability of integrated care programmes addressing multi-morbidity in 31 European countries. Furthermore, first observations will be made about their context, shape and variation (e.g. in terms of definitions, care sectors/providers involved, inancing).
Conclusions: Although several countries are experimenting with integrated care models addressing multi-morbidity, many European countries only have few programmes while some countries do not have programmes at all. The potential to scale up successful programmes seems considerable, as currently existing programmes may not meet the demand for the growing numbers of patients with multiple chronic diseases.