Older adults are increasingly becoming the majority of patients classified as “complex”, with serious health and social needs. The care of these complex patients, who often suffer from chronic health issues, is an economic need and a moral obligation. According to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, 58% of complex need patients have access to healthcare, but 95% of patients did not have access to a care coordinator for assistance and 62% had felt stress about the affordability of housing, nutrition and utilities. The failure of the system to provide for these needs has led to 47% of these patients visiting emergency departments several times in the past two year period. Unplanned, uncoordinated care is costly, but innovative models such as the one proposed by the John A. Hartford Foundation could reduce odds of hospitalization by 40% and reduce annual mortality rates by 20%. The model is based on The Playbook: Better Care for People with Complex Needs, created by the foundation in conjunction with several other expert healthcare organisations. Offering targeted information on potential care models and policy opportunities, the playbook aims to create a cohesive support network of legislation to help complex need patients across the US. The Playbook can support health systems, policy makers and insurers to help specific patient types, including frail elderly citizens, patients with multiple chronic conditions, patients with social and behavioural needs, adults under 65 with disabilities and those with advanced illnesses.
Older adults are increasingly becoming the majority of patients classified as “complex”, with serious health and social needs. The care of these complex patients, who often suffer from chronic health issues, is an economic need and a moral obligation. According to a survey by the Commonwealth Fund, 95% of complex need patients have access to healthcare, but 58% of patients did not have access to a care coordinator for assistance and 62% had felt stress about the affordability of housing, nutrition and utilities. The failure of the system to provide for these needs has led to 47% of these patients visiting emergency departments several times in the past two year period. Unplanned, uncoordinated care is costly, but innovative models such as the one proposed by the John A. Hartford Foundation could reduce odds of hospitalization by 40% and reduce annual mortality rates by 20%. The model is based on The Playbook: Better Care for People with Complex Needs, created by the foundation in conjunction with several other expert healthcare organisations. Offering targeted information on potential care models and policy opportunities, the playbook aims to create a cohesive support network of legislation to help complex need patients across the US. The Playbook can support health systems, policy makers and insurers to help specific patient types, including frail elderly citizens, patients with multiple chronic conditions, patients with social and behavioural needs, adults under 65 with disabilities and those with advanced illnesses.