Aims: To analyze the impact of implementing three different models of continuity of care on the delay of first visits to the cardiologist (management end point) and on LDL-cholesterol control rates among patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease (clinical end point). Methods: Observational, longitudinal and retrospective study of patients with cardiovascular disease and LDL-cholesterol ≥70 mg/dl attended in three hospitals (H1/H2/H3). In H1 and H2, a virtual system (telecardiology) was developed (in H1, internal audits and specific medical education were also performed). In H3 a cardiologist was integrated into the primary care center. Results: The delay of visits to cardiologist significantly improved from 66.5 ± 29.1 days to 34.1 ± 14.1 days (p < 0.001), as well as the intensification of lipid-lowering treatment and the achievement of lipid goals. LDL-cholesterol control rates were higher in H1 and the reduction of the delay of visits in H3. Conclusion: Continuity of care is associated with improvements in management and clinical end points.
Keywords: LDL cholesterol; cardiology; continuity of care; integration; primary care; telecardiology.