Patients' Experiences of the Western HealthLinks Integrated Care Chronic Illness Management Program: A Prospective Mixed-Methods Observational Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION

Western HealthLinks, an integrated care chronic illness management program, supported patients with chronic and complex conditions to stay well at home after hospital discharge. This study assessed patients' experiences of the program.

METHODS

A prospective mixed-methods observational cohort study, conducted as an implementation evaluation with six-monthly assessments over 30 months included: A visual analogue scale (VAS) rating healthcare satisfaction; an Assessment of Quality of Life 4 Dimensions (AQoL4D) tool; a survey regarding healthcare satisfaction. VAS and AQoL4D were analysed with a simple random effects model using time as a linear variable; survey was analysed with thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Median baseline VAS was 79 and AQoL4D 0.15, with no evidence for change over time. Themes across timepoints included: Local/home-based care; hospital access; individualised, coordinated and consistent care; communication; reduced waiting; healthcare provider qualities; transport/parking.

DISCUSSION: No evidence of change to VAS and AQoL4D suggests maintained healthcare satisfaction and QoL over time despite increasing age and disease burden. Surveys showed patients value integrated care. Limitations include the absence of control group and loss to follow-up with risk of bias for VAS and AQoL4D.

CONCLUSION

Western HealthLinks patients maintained healthcare satisfaction and QoL over time after hospital discharge. Patients value integrated care and future models of care may benefit from incorporation of themes from analysis.