Exploring a chronic care model in a regional healthcare context.
The episodic acute care model of service delivery that consumes the majority of healthcare funding is inadequate to meet the needs of a society experiencing an increasing burden of chronic illness. This article describes, in a regional Canadian healthcare context, the application and preliminary evaluation of a model of chronic care delivery developed in a managed care environment in the United States. The strategic goals of this model are to empower clients by providing a redesigned service delivery environment that supports self-management; support care providers by developing clinical information systems and decision supports; and align community resources, policies and organization of care to support an informed, activated client and a proactive practice team.
Fulton
T R
TR
School of Nursing, University of Victoria.
Penney
B C
BC
Taft
A
A
D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019468:Disease Management; D017050:Episode of Care; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*