Integrated care programmes for adults with chronic conditions: a meta-review

The objective of the study was to review systematic reviews and meta-analyses of integrated care programmes in chronically ill patients, with a focus on methodological quality, elements of integration assessed and effects reported.

The authors identified 27 systematic reviews of studies comparing integrated care interventions with usual care. Reviewers found beneficial effects of integration of care on several outcomes, including reduced mortality, reduced hospital admissions and re-admissions, improved adherence to treatment guidelines and quality of life. 

The meta-review adds to a growing body of evidence showing that integrated care programmes can improve patient-centred outcomes, process quality and reduce the use of some healthcare resources in chronic diseases such as CHF, diabetes mellitus or COPD. However, it is unclear which components or interventions should be prioritized in integrated care programmes to maximize their benefit.