The objective of this research is to develop an evaluation framework with proposed indicators that can be used when evaluating chronic disease prevention and management from the perspective of a program, organization or health system.
Chronic diseases including diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, asthma, depression, and arthritis are a major burden to our society and our health care system, and the prevalence of these diseases is increasing as our population ages. Chronic diseases have a huge impact on the population as they are the primary cause of disability, and they account for significant direct and indirect costs to both the individual and society (chronic diseases account for 70% of health care expenditures). In addition, studies in the population show that multimorbidity, the occurrence of more than one disease in the same person, is common and increases in frequency with increasing age. Despite the impact of these diseases, the current health care system is based on an “acute care” model, which is not conducive to the planned, organized care required to efficiently and effective treat chronic diseases. As care is being redesigned and programs develop to improve chronic disease care, it is necessary to develop an evaluation framework to assess these programs.
The specific objectives of this work are to:
This project is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Researchers: Bronwen McCurdy, Crystal MacKay, Dr. Elizabeth Badley, Dr. Cheryl Cott
