title: [A retrospective evaluation of the behaviour of groups under out-patient care at a health center].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study and analyse the Out-Patient Care Groups (OCGs), and evaluate how they affect use of health resources.
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational, retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ciudad Jardín Health Centre, Málaga.
  
  
  METHODS
  2999 patients with a clinical history opened before 31.12.95, chosen from 5 of the 17 medical lists at the Health Centre, were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software package of the Calculation Centre at Málaga University. A descriptive test produced the following results: 33% of the patients were classified in OCG 41 (combination of 2 or 3 out-patient diagnosis groups in people over 34); 19% belonged to groups of stable or unstable chronic illnesses (OCGs 8, 9 and 10); and 9% had acute children's diseases. Then multiple regression constructed a model with the OCGs as independent variable and annual visits, further tests performed and referral to specialists as dependent variables. In this model the OCGs were able to explain 20.3% of resource consumption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the retrospective study and with a limited sample of 2999 patients, the OCGs are able to explain 20.3% of resource consumption. However, it does seem a valid model for discriminating between normal and over-using patients.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Ciudad Jardín, Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública de Granada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hormigo Pozo
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: García Ruiz
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martos Crespo
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: García Ruiz
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Montesinos Gálvez
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prados Torres
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de la Cuesta
mesh_terms: D015438:Health Behavior; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain