Study on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Primary Care Utilization in Spain

A recent population-based study in Spain examined the relationship between patients' profiles, defined by their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and the frequency of visits to primary care (PC) physicians and nurses. The study focused on individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes (DM), and dyslipidaemia, from 2017 to 2021.

The findings revealed that older individuals, especially women, exhibited a higher morbidity burden and required more frequent visits to primary care. These results underscore the growing need for tailored care for complex patients in the primary care setting, where coordination and continuous management can significantly improve health outcomes.

The study also highlighted the role of the "Disproportionate Inverse Law," which suggests that socially disadvantaged individuals receive more care but of lower quality. By clustering patients based on age, sex, and morbidity burden, the researchers identified key profiles that necessitate higher levels of healthcare engagement. Interestingly, while women had a higher frequency of visits compared to men, especially up to age 80, these differences largely disappeared in the elderly population.

Main results

The study emphasizes the importance of understanding patient profiles in the primary care setting. By analyzing morbidity and complexity, healthcare professionals can better allocate resources and tailor treatment plans to improve the management of chronic diseases, particularly in women and the elderly. Moreover, it stresses the necessity of more comprehensive clinical guidelines that address multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and adherenc

Conclusion

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