Impact of coordination on care quality and health outcomes. SESPAS Report 2026

Abstract

Care coordination constitutes a fundamental pillar for improving the efficiency of healthcare systems and ensuring the sustainable use of resources. The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the impact of various coordination strategies on clinical practice variability, continuity of care, patient safety, user satisfaction and experience, as well as on the efficiency and sustainability of health systems. Effective healthcare coordination does not rely on a single intervention, but rather on the synergy between clinical, organizational, technological, and financial components. Reducing unwarranted variations requires a multifaceted approach, including the promotion of evidence-based practice, ongoing professional education, the implementation of clinical audits, and the reinforcement of shared decision-making. At the organizational level, the successful implementation of integrated care models requires a systemic approach tailored to the local context, with a long-term vision that prioritizes patient health outcomes, quality of care, efficiency, and system sustainability.