Disease management positively affects patient quality of life.
Health care costs are spiraling upward. The population of the United States is aging, and many baby boomers will develop multiple chronic health conditions. Disease management is one method for reducing costs associated with chronic health conditions. Although these programs have been proven effective in improving patient health, detailed information about their effect on patient quality of life has been scarce. This article provides preliminary evidence that disease management programs for coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heart failure lead to improved quality of life, which correlates with a healthier, more satisfied, and less costly patient.
Walker
David R
DR
CorSolutions, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, USA. dwalker@corsolutions.com
Landis
Darryl L
DL
Stern
Patricia M
PM
Vance
Richard P
RP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003710:Demography; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology