INTERMED: A method to assess health service needs: II. Results on its validity and clinical use

摘要: Abstract The validity and clinical use of a recently developed instrument to assess health care needs patients with physical illness, called INTERMED, is investigated. INTERMED combines data reflecting patients’ biological, psychological, social characteristics information on utilization characteristics. An example patient population in which such an integral assessment can contribute the appropriateness care, are low back pain degenerative or unknown origin. It supports usefulness when clinically relevant subgroups this heterogeneous be identified described based their scores. was utilized group (N = 108) having who vary chronicity complaints, functional status, associated disability. All underwent medical examination responded battery validated questionnaires assessing aspects life. In addition, were assessed by INTERMED. studied whether it proved possible form meaningful groups scores; for this, hierarchical cluster analysis performed. order describe them, compared from questionnaires. scores revealed three distinguishable patients. Comparison disease showed that one characterized as complex chronic complaints reduced capacity work apply disability compensation. other differed explicitly regard chronicity, but also variables. By means identified, its practice method case mix scientific policy purposes. easy implement daily help ease operationalization biopychosocial model disease. More different populations necessary.