REDES is a single medical condition/IPU-based initiative that optimizes the full care cycle for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)—a chronic, debilitating inflammatory disease with an average diagnostic delay of 7.2 years—by streamlining patient flow, coordinating multidisciplinary care, and measuring what matters. Its aim is to improve patient health outcomes while reducing total process costs.
What makes it unique
REDES transforms the care pathway for patients with HS through multidisciplinary coordination between dermatology, surgery, emergency care, hospital pharmacy and nursing. The project implements standardized referral protocols, improves condition‑specific coding in the EMR and establishes effective communication channels across services. It also incorporates technological innovations and digitalization of key steps to ensure equity and enable active follow‑up
REDES serves adults across HS severity, addressing the real world “diagnostic pilgrimage” by accelerating access to specialized care and leveraging the early “window of opportunity” to prevent irreversible tissue damage. The pathway includes protocols to identify psychosocial needs and facilitates referral when required, improving the patient experience alongside clinical results.
Methods
Using Lean Management, a multidisciplinary group mapped the current state, defined key indicators, identified root causes, and executed a targeted action plan with iterative reviews (“check and countermeasures”). Impact is tracked through outcome and process indicators, linking clinical improvements to resource use and costs. Core solutions include a formal HS Committee, referral protocols, upgraded coding and registry practices, and reinforced interdisciplinary coordination.
Size and Scope
The project is implemented at Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, engaging Dermatology (monographic HS clinic), General/Plastic Surgery, Emergency Care, Hospital Pharmacy, Nursing, and Digital Transformation. This comprehensive institutional scope enables end to end visibility and consistent execution across the care cycle.
Preliminary results
• Care coordination: Surgery→Dermatology referrals rose by 177% in 4 months, bringing patients faster to the right specialist.
• Earlier presentation: 45% of patients now arrive at Hurley II, indicating meaningful gains in early diagnosis and timely management.
• Data quality: Correct HS codifications increased by 10.51%, strengthening measurement and stewardship.
• System efficiency and cost impact: Unnecessary visits to Primary Care, Emergency, and Surgery were reduced. Annual costs decreased 67,6%, Impact of 215,679€ saved, driven by fewer surgical interventions and more efficient use of resources.
• Conclusion & VBHC relevance
REDES demonstrates that structured, multidisciplinary pathway redesign—supported by accurate coding, targeted technology, and continuous improvement—can simultaneously deliver better health outcomes and lower total costs for HS.