RECALMIN. Four years of growth of the internal medicine units of the Spanish National Health System (2013–2016)

Abstract Objectives To compare the structure, resources and activity of the internal medicine units (IMUs) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) in 2013 and 2016. To analyze the differences between IMUs in 2016 by hospital size. Material and methods We conducted a comparison of 2 descriptive cross-sectional studies of IMUs in general acute care hospitals of the Spanish National Health System, with data referring to 2013 and 2016. The variables were collected via an ad hoc questionnaire (RECALMIN survey). Results Between 2013 and 2016, the demand for care increased dramatically (with an annual average of 11% in hospital discharges and 16% in first consultations), and comorbidity slightly increased (2%). During this period, the mean productivity of IMUs increased 16.7% (0.6 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.3; p  = .09), and the mean stay decreased 10% (9 ± 2.2 vs. 8.1 ± 2.1 days; p  = .001). Progress in implementing good practices and systematic care for complex chronic patients was scarce. Both surveys found variability among IMUs and marked differences among IMUs of hospitals of different sizes. Conclusions IMUs responded to the increased burden of care they supported during 2013–2016 by improving their efficiency and productivity; however, advances in implementing good practices, including care for chronic complex patients, were scare. The significant variability in the indicators of structure, activity and management models found in 2013 remained in 2016.