Allergy medical care network: a new model of care for specialties.
In 2005 the Althaia Foundation Allergy Department performed its daily activity in the Hospital Sant Joan de Deu of Manresa. Given the increasing demand for allergy care, the department's performance was analysed and a strategic plan (SP) for 2005-2010 was designed. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the application of the SP on the department's operations and organisational level in terms of profitability, productivity and quality of care.


METHODS
Descriptive, retrospective study which evaluated the operation of the allergy department. The baseline situation was analysed and the SP was designed. Indicators were set to perform a comparative analysis after application of the SP.


RESULTS
The indicators showed an increase in medical care activity (first visits, 34%; successive visits, 29%; day hospital treatments, 51%), high rates of resolution, reduced waiting lists. Economic analysis indicated an increase in direct costs justified by increased activity and territory attended. Cost optimisation was explained by improved patient accessibility, minimised absenteeism in the workplace and improved cost per visit.


CONCLUSIONS
After application of the SP a networking system was established for the allergy speciality that has expanded the territory for which it provides care, increased total activity and the ability to resolve patients, optimised human resources, improved quality of care and streamlined medical costs.
Allergy Service, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain. Electronic address: lferre@althaia.cat.
L
L
Ferré-Ybarz
Managing Director Banc de Sang i Teixits Catalunya Central i Vallès Occidental, Spain.
R
R
Salinas Argente
Allergy Service, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
S
S
Nevot Falcó
Allergy Service, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
C
C
Gómez Galán
Biological Diagnosis Department, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
J
J
Franquesa Rabat
Biological Diagnosis Department, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
J
J
Trapé Pujol
Management Control Unit, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
P
P
Oliveras Alsina
Specialized Care Director, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa, Spain.
M
M
Pons Serra
Management Hospital Universitari Bellvitge, Territorial Management ICS Metropolitana Sud, Spain.
X
X
Corbella Virós
D000486:Allergy and Immunology; D019058:Community Networks; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006288:Health Planning Organizations; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018803:Models, Economic; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Allergology; Care network; Cost; Management; Strategic plan