Despite initial aims missing the mark, Camden Coalition’s care coordination model shows promise. Recent studies reveal a notable surge in patient access to primary care and specialized services, marking a pivotal shift. While hospital readmission reduction wasn’t achieved as expected, the program excelled in amplifying ambulatory follow-up by 15 percentage points. Access to durable medical equipment rose by 12.4 percentage points, showcasing a 42% relative increase. These findings validate the model’s efficacy in improving healthcare access and patient engagement.
The Camden Coalition’s innovative approach to care management and coordination has been the subject of thorough evaluation and enhancement over recent years. While the original goals of reducing hospital readmissions may not have been fully realized, recent studies reveal significant strides in improving patient access to crucial follow-up care, marking substantial advancements in healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
A study published in Health Affairs highlighted the Camden Coalition’s success in bolstering patient access to primary care providers and specialized healthcare services. Despite initial goals focusing on reducing hospital readmissions not being met, the program showcased a remarkable 15-percentage point increase in ambulatory follow-up and a substantial 12.4-percentage point rise in access to durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and oxygen supplies.
Camden Coalition’s CEO, Kathleen Noonan, hailed these findings as a confirmation of their efforts in linking patients with complex needs to essential outpatient care and support services. However, Noonan acknowledged the ongoing challenges, emphasizing that there is still much to accomplish in their mission.
The original goals of reducing hospital readmissions through the Camden Core Model, targeting the most vulnerable individuals in Camden, New Jersey, did not yield the expected results according to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving nearly 800 patients. Despite this setback, the program’s primary focus on providing high-touch, face-to-face care aimed at engaging patients and connecting them to appropriate medical care, governmental benefits, and community-based services remained steadfast. The overarching objective remained to break the cycle of recurrent hospitalizations, enhance patients’ well-being, and curtail healthcare costs.
Subsequent research by Camden Coalition delved into the reasons behind the initial lack of success and sought to broaden the scope of evaluation beyond hospital readmissions. Analyzing Medicaid data linked to the initial patient cohort, their study unearthed promising outcomes: a significant increase in post-discharge ambulatory care access, a crucial indicator of effective care coordination. Notably, the Camden model boosted access to ambulatory care by 15 percentage points within 14 days post-discharge, primarily attributable to enhanced access to primary care providers, with sustained impact observed over 365 days, equating to a relative increase of 56.5 percent.
Moreover, the model exhibited a 12-percentage point increase in access to durable medical equipment within 180 days, marking a notable 42 percent relative increase compared to a control group. These findings signified a positive shift in healthcare access and utilization resulting from Camden Coalition’s care coordination efforts.
Furthermore, recent reports indicated that Camden’s program successfully reduced hospital readmissions, particularly among highly engaged patients. For those more actively involved in their care, the risk of hospital readmissions within 30 days decreased by a relative 48 percent compared to less engaged patients. Similarly, the risk within 90 days was 52 percent lower for the more engaged cohort. These revelations validate the effectiveness of the program and underscore the importance of patient engagement in achieving positive healthcare outcomes.
The cumulative insights garnered from these studies not only affirm the value of Camden Coalition’s care model but also prompt continuous refinement and innovation. Kathleen Noonan reiterated the commitment to ongoing evaluation, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to fortify a more comprehensive and coordinated care ecosystem.
Recognizing the multifaceted challenges faced by their patient population, Camden Coalition has expanded its initiatives. Collaborations with Rutgers Law School have established a medical-legal partnership, while the Pledge to Connect program ensures access to community-based mental healthcare by placing behavioral health navigators in the emergency department. Additionally, the organization is exploring diverse quality-of-life measures, including the Person-Centered Outcome Measure in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Camden Coalition’s journey signifies a paradigm shift in care coordination dynamics. Despite initial goals missing their mark, the program’s pivot towards enhancing patient access redefined success. The surge in ambulatory follow-up by 15 percentage points and a significant 42% relative increase in durable medical equipment access validated the model’s impact. Further reinforced by reduced hospital readmissions among engaged patients, these studies endorse the model’s effectiveness. Camden Coalition’s commitment to continuous refinement, innovative collaborations, and comprehensive evaluations promises a future where inclusive healthcare systems prioritize patient engagement and access, redefining the standards for effective care coordination.