Long-term care for the elderly: choice of a clinical managerial system in the context of an integral care network

Abstract

For the past 10 years, in long-term care systems, we have witnessed the accelerated deployment of casemix management systems. A casemix is formed by clusters, defined by individual characteristics that explain similar resource use. However, certain questions regarding the development of these systems must be raised. Moreover, none of these systems was developed in the context of an integrated care organization that can track the progress of a dependent elderly person through every kind of care arrangement available-from own home, through intermediate facility, to long-term care institution. This article emphasizes the necessity of being well informed about the features of existing systems, in order to choose or develop the system that best answers the goals of a particular health care system. Finally, it underlines important elements that should be considered in each step of the development of a casemix system in this context.