The research projects presented bear on the evolution of integrated intervention, implemented in Osakidetza, and the importance of inclusion criteria.

Myriam Soto, member of the research group “Economic evaluation of chronic diseases” won the award for the best article presented by a young researcher at the Asociación de Economía de la Salud española (Spanish Healthcare Economy Association) (AES) event, held in Barcelona. Furthermore, she presented her research project to world expert on healthcare economy at the Health Economics Association (iHEA) in Boston, where she won third prize for the best article written by a young researcher.

The research projects bear on the evolution of integrated intervention, implemented in Osakidetza, and the importance of inclusion criteria. In the Basque Country, two strategies have been used to identify patients with multiple diseases. On one hand, the department implemented a stratification strategy, based on mathematical algorithms. On the other, it allowed clinicians to include patients they deemed could benefit from the programme.

The programme has proven effective when the doctor identifies them, regardless of whether or not they are also enlisted through the stratification strategy. However, this does not occur when they are only identified through the stratification strategy. This is because patients identified through stratification are subject to greater risk, and even though the probability of being cared for at least once in primary care considerably increases, the intensity of the intervention decreases in this group. Notwithstanding, stratification is highly important, as it presumably plays a catalyst role.

Myriam Soto – IIS Biodonostia