Description
Book SynopsisChronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and Parkinson disease are the principal cause of all sickness and death in the United States and represent the vast majority of health care expenditures. Although we now live in a world dominated by chronic conditions, health care is still organized around a commitment to treating acute illnesses.
Meeting the Challenge of Chronic Illness examines current deficiencies in chronic illness care and explores ways to improve it. Addressing the challenges of shifting from the primacy of acute illnesses to the predominance of chronic conditions, the authors identify the components necessary to reorganize and reform health care: properly prepared health care workers; involved patients and families; appropriate use of new technologies, especially information systems; an appropriate role for prevention; and the creation of funding approaches that will provide necessary incentives.
This book calls on policy makers, health care providers, and educators to address one of the greatest challenges facing the health care system.
Trade ReviewProvides interested readers with a succinct vehicle for becoming conversant on this important topic. -- Jennifer L. Wolff JAMA 2006 This book provides a much needed assessment of the greatest challenges in health care today. -- Germaine Cornelissen Key Reporter 2006 This book is useful for policy makers, health care providers, and educators to address one of the greatest challenges facing the health care system today. Caregiver 2006 Most appealing to thoughtful academics. -- Amasa B. Ford Gerontologist 2006
Table of ContentsForeword by Edward Wagner, M.D., M.P.H.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. Caring For People With Chronic Illness
1. What's So special about Chronic Illness Care?
2. The Minensions of Chrpnic Illness
3. How the Current System Fails People with Chronic Illness
Part II. Opportunities for Changes
4. Reorganizing care in the Face of Chronic illness
5. The Right Health Care Workers with the Right Skills
6. Patients and Families
7. Innovative Technology
8. Prevention
9. Paying for Chronic Care
Part III. Prospects for Change
10. The Context for Reform
11. Next Steps
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Notes
References
Index
