Value-Based Chronic Care in Colombia: Linking Economic Performance With Quality and Humanized Outcomes in Longstay Patients
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 demonstrate how specialized chronic care units in Colombia optimize economic performance while maintaining high standards of quality, dignity, and humanization in the management of long-stay chronic patients.
METHODS:
Data from 660 patients admitted between 2023-2024 to CCUs in Montería and Sincelejo was analyzed. The program integrated family-centered care, palliative interventions, and personalized chronic disease management. Financial and qualitative indicators were evaluated: value per bed-day, cost savings per case, length of stay, and satisfaction proxies including family engagement and patient comfort.
RESULTS:
CCUs operated at 82% occupancy, with an average stay of 93 days. Compared to conventional care models, cost was reduced by 70-85%, and humanized care metrics (family presence, reduced physical restraint, pain control) were consistently improved. The program achieved a dual outcome: financial sustainability and high patient-perceived value.
CONCLUSIONS: This real-world experience shows that economic value and human dignity are not mutually exclusive. Colombia’s chronic care units provide a replicable model of value-based care for complex patients, where quality and savings converge.
METHODS:
Data from 660 patients admitted between 2023-2024 to CCUs in Montería and Sincelejo was analyzed. The program integrated family-centered care, palliative interventions, and personalized chronic disease management. Financial and qualitative indicators were evaluated: value per bed-day, cost savings per case, length of stay, and satisfaction proxies including family engagement and patient comfort.
RESULTS:
CCUs operated at 82% occupancy, with an average stay of 93 days. Compared to conventional care models, cost was reduced by 70-85%, and humanized care metrics (family presence, reduced physical restraint, pain control) were consistently improved. The program achieved a dual outcome: financial sustainability and high patient-perceived value.
CONCLUSIONS: This real-world experience shows that economic value and human dignity are not mutually exclusive. Colombia’s chronic care units provide a replicable model of value-based care for complex patients, where quality and savings converge.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR262
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Health State Utilities
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Personalized & Precision Medicine