Avoiding Prolonged Hospitalizations in Chronic Patients: A Strategic Model to Control Costs and Improve Outcomes in Colombia
Author(s)
JUAN C. FERNANDEZ MERCADO, MBA, MSc, PhD, MD1, Nelson Alvis-Guzman, MPH, PhD, MD2, MANUEL CABALLERO TABOADA, MD Esp.3.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3DIRECTOR MEDICO, SEDARTE UNIDAD DE CRONICOS, MONTERIA - SINCELEJO, Colombia.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3DIRECTOR MEDICO, SEDARTE UNIDAD DE CRONICOS, MONTERIA - SINCELEJO, Colombia.
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of chronic care units in reducing prolonged hospital stays and controlling costs in chronic adult and pediatric patients within the Colombian health system.
METHODS: We evaluated 660 admissions over two years in chronic care units in Montería and Sincelejo, totaling 104 beds and operating at 82% occupancy. The average length of stay was 93 days. Monthly admissions were 27.5 patients. For non-ventilated patients, average cost was USD $93.33/day (USD $2,800/month). Financial modeling compared costs and outcomes with traditional hospitalization.
RESULTS:
The model reduced costs by over 65% per non-ventilated patient, with a projected monthly expenditure of USD $42,000 for 15 patients, compared to traditional hospital stays. The monthly projected total revenue for both ventilated and non-ventilated patients was USD $98,000. Additional benefits included fewer readmissions, improved care continuity, and greater family satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS: Chronic care units are an essential cost-control mechanism for managing non-acute, long-stay patients. Their integration into regional healthcare networks in Colombia offers a scalable solution to rising chronic care costs, while preserving dignity and patient-centered outcomes.
METHODS: We evaluated 660 admissions over two years in chronic care units in Montería and Sincelejo, totaling 104 beds and operating at 82% occupancy. The average length of stay was 93 days. Monthly admissions were 27.5 patients. For non-ventilated patients, average cost was USD $93.33/day (USD $2,800/month). Financial modeling compared costs and outcomes with traditional hospitalization.
RESULTS:
The model reduced costs by over 65% per non-ventilated patient, with a projected monthly expenditure of USD $42,000 for 15 patients, compared to traditional hospital stays. The monthly projected total revenue for both ventilated and non-ventilated patients was USD $98,000. Additional benefits included fewer readmissions, improved care continuity, and greater family satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS: Chronic care units are an essential cost-control mechanism for managing non-acute, long-stay patients. Their integration into regional healthcare networks in Colombia offers a scalable solution to rising chronic care costs, while preserving dignity and patient-centered outcomes.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HSD12
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas