Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) : the factors that matter / by Claudia Sanmartin, Saeeda Khan and the LHAD research team. : CS82-622/7-2011E-PDF

Hospitalizations related to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) represent an indirect measure of access to primary care and the capacity of the system to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. ACSC-related hospitalizations are commonly referred to as avoidable hospitalizations and thus a measure of the performance of the primary care system. There is limited evidence linking the availability of primary care and ACSC-related hospitalizations. There is, however, growing evidence regarding the role of patient characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, that may place individuals at higher risk for such a hospitalization. This study represents the first national level assessment of a broad range of factors associated with ACSC-related hospitalizations. The unique feature of this study is the focus on those individuals most at risk - that is, those with at least one ACS condition. The study is based on the linked health survey and hospital data that provide comprehensive information regarding patient characteristics, their access to primary care and whether or not they experienced an ACSC related hospitalization. Understanding the role of these factors may shed light on how primary care services may reduce the risk of these avoidable hospital admissions.

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