Impact of Comorbidity on Health Care Utilization in Diabetes Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Struijs Jeroen N, Baan Caroline A, Schellevis Francois G, Westert Gert P, van den Bos Geertrudis AM
Primary Institution: National Institute of Public Health and the Environment
Hypothesis
What is the effect of comorbidity on the type and volume of health care utilization of patients with diabetes?
Conclusion
Non diabetes-related comorbidity increases health care demand as much as diabetes-related comorbidity.
Supporting Evidence
- Comorbidity is common among diabetes patients and significantly increases health care utilization.
- Patients with both diabetes-related and non diabetes-related comorbidities have the highest health care demands.
- Current diabetes care programs need to include management for multiple chronic diseases.
Takeaway
Having other health problems along with diabetes means you need more doctor visits and treatments. It's important to look at all these health issues together.
Methodology
Data on comorbidity and health care utilization were obtained by linking general practice and hospital registrations in the Netherlands.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to missing data on educational level and underregistration of certain comorbidities.
Limitations
Selection bias may have occurred due to differences in linkage probabilities between older and younger patients, and underestimation of consultations by medical specialists.
Participant Demographics
Patients with diabetes, with a mean age of 66.9 years, and varying educational levels.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website