From 2014–2017, the Camden Coalition partnered with researchers affiliated with J-PAL North America to measure the impact of the Camden Coalition’s care management program, the Camden Core Model, on hospital readmission rates. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed similar readmission rates in the control and intervention groups at 180 days. The study also found that the Camden Core Model was associated with increased SNAP participation.

We are actively building on this research by examining the impact of the Camden Core Model on additional outcome measures and sub-populations. We are also continuing to build partnerships designed to reduce barriers to care and curb unnecessary hospital utilization among those with the most complex needs. These efforts, along with insights from the study, are contributing to a more evidence-based field of complex care.

These results highlight that complex care cannot be accomplished alone. Strengthening communities—including social services, behavioral health, public health, community-based organizations, and government agencies—to serve people with complex health and social needs is the path forward. And while it is essential to serve people whose needs are not being met right now, investment in economic and social opportunity is key to preventing future complexity. These results send a powerful message to the community and policymakers: short-term healthcare interventions alone cannot remedy lifetimes of complexity.

For more information about the RCT and its implications for the Camden Coalition and the field of complex care, read:

• Our brief, “Results and lessons from the Camden Core Model randomized controlled trial” to learn about the history, methodology, and results of the study; our vision for future research; and lessons for ourselves and others.
• A blog post authored by Kathleen Noonan, Chief Executive Officer of the Camden Coalition, announcing the publication of the study and its contributions to the evidence base for complex care.
• A blog series interviewing Kathleen Noonan; Aaron Truchil, Director of Analytics and Information at the Camden Coalition; and Amy Finkelstein, Co-Scientific Director of J-PAL North America, describing the partnership between the two institutions.
• Our press release announcing the publication of the study.