Remote Person-Centred Care Intervention Shows Promise for Chronic Conditions

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden investigated the healthcare costs and effects of a remote person-centred care (PCC) intervention compared to usual care for individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research found that the PCC intervention resulted in lower healthcare costs and higher health-related quality of life compared to usual care, demonstrating potential for improved patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to evaluate the healthcare costs and effects of a remote PCC add-on intervention compared to usual care for individuals with CHF and/or COPD from a societal perspective.
  • The research involved 224 patients who were randomly allocated to either the PCC intervention group or the control group, with both groups receiving usual care through primary care centers.
  • The PCC intervention consisted of a digital platform and structured telephone support, with the intervention group showing lower healthcare utilization in inpatient care, specialized outpatient care, and reduced productivity loss.
  • The cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) demonstrated that the PCC intervention had incremental effects of 0.0469 quality-adjusted life years and incremental costs of SEK -68 533 (Swedish crowns).
  • The study concluded that the PCC alternative was both more effective and resulted in lower healthcare costs compared to usual care, with the PCC intervention being dominant.
  • The findings suggest potential benefits for patients with chronic conditions, including improved health-related quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.

Statistics:

  • 224 patients were enrolled in the study, with 110 participants in the intervention group and 112 in the control group.
  • The intervention group had lower healthcare utilization in inpatient care, with a reduction of 0.0469 quality-adjusted life years.
  • The CEA showed incremental costs of SEK -68 533 (Swedish crowns) for the PCC intervention compared to usual care.
  • The study had a 2-year time horizon, with outcomes measured using the EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L).

Sources:

  • Economic evaluation of a person-centred care intervention with a digital platform and structured telephone support for people with chronic heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a randomised controlled trial in Sweden. BMJ Open, 2025;15(10).
  • Bmj Publishing Group - https://group.bmj.com/
  • Bmj Open - https://bmjopen.bmj.com/
  • University of Gothenburg Institute of Health and Care Sciences - not found
  • Benjamin P. Harvey, University of Gothenburg - not found
  • Emmelie Barenfeld, Andreas Fors, Inger Ekman, Karl Swedberg, and Hanna Gyllensten - not found