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Israel Journal of Health Policy Research
Published in: Israel Journal of Health Policy Research 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Original research article

Maccabi proactive Telecare Center for chronic conditions – the care of frail elderly patients

Authors: Avi Porath, Angela Irony, Avital Segal Borobick, Shuruk Nasser, Ateret Malachi, Naama Fund, Galit Kaufman

Published in: Israel Journal of Health Policy Research | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

In 2012, Maccabi Healthcare Services founded Maccabi Telecare Center (MTC), a multi-disciplinary healthcare service providing telemedical care to complex chronic patients. The current paper describes the establishment and operation of the MTC center, from the identification of the need for the service, through the design of its solution elements, to outcomes in several areas of care.
We analyze the effects of the program on elderly frail patients, a growing population with complex and costly needs.

Methods

Observational quasi-experimental analyses using propensity score matching was used to assess the effect of MTC’s operation on utilization outcomes including direct costs.

Results

Results for frail elderly patients with complex chronic conditions show significant reductions in hospitalization days and hospitalization costs. MTC interventions also entailed lower overall average monthly costs in frail patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that a proactive telehealth service for complex chronic patients using education, empowerment to self-management, and coordination of care is a cost-effective means of improving quality care and health outcomes in frail elderly patients.
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Metadata
Title
Maccabi proactive Telecare Center for chronic conditions – the care of frail elderly patients
Authors
Avi Porath
Angela Irony
Avital Segal Borobick
Shuruk Nasser
Ateret Malachi
Naama Fund
Galit Kaufman
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Israel Journal of Health Policy Research / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2045-4015
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-017-0192-x

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