Chronic diseases are long-term illnesses that develop gradually over time, typically worsening in severity and can be managed but not cured. Cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, asthma, and persistent depression are some of the examples. Chronic diseases can drastically impair daily physical and mental processes, as well as limit one's capacity to undertake daily activities. As chronic diseases can take decades to develop, they are more common in the elderly population. In 2003, nearly 80% of individuals over 45, or 3.7 million people, had a chronic illness, including 34% with arthritis, 9% with diabetes, 30% with high blood pressure, and 12% with osteoporosis (Health Canada, 2002). The relatively small proportion of people with numerous significant chronic diseases consumes a large share of these costs (Health Canada, 2002). Chronic diseases are one of the most prevalent and expensive health concerns that Canadians face, but they are also preventable by being strategic. The Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), which is supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), is a joint initiative of provincial and territory surveillance systems that measures the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, hospitalizations, and health outcomes (Government of Canada, n.d). All citizens' data is collected and preserved. It can create both national and regional estimates as well as detect patterns. Provincially, methods of surveillance may vary.
In Ontario, significant chronic diseases, and injuries account for 33% of direct healthcare expenses and 55% of both direct and indirect healthcare costs (Health Canada, 2002). The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has created a policy framework to help guide the redesign of health-care practices and systems in Ontario, with the goal of improving chronic disease prevention and management. The Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention and Management (CDPM) Framework is an evidence-based, community-based, and client-centered approach to CDPM in Ontario. It advocates a shift in the health-care system from one that is built for episodic, acute illnesses to one that is focused on chronic disease prevention and treatment (Government of Ontario, 2007).
The goal for health care in British Columbia is a long-term health system that encourages individuals to stay healthy while also providing high-quality, publicly financed health care services that meet their needs when they get ill. British Columbia uses the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), which is a workshop for adults with at least one chronic health condition. It focuses on teaching the community disease management skills, including decision making, problem-solving, and action planning. Because many of the same risk factors contribute to a wide spectrum of chronic diseases, BC has adapted to a comprehensive chronic disease prevention approach. The chronic disease management plan of BC involves collaboration with primary care practitioners, who play a critical role in providing individualized health promotion, disease prevention, and early intervention for chronic diseases, as well as integration with other core public health programs (especially Healthy Living), which focus on reducing many of the same risk factors.
The Government of British Columbia employs the Primary Health Care Charter to acknowledge the increased prevalence and burden of chronic disease, with a special focus on chronic disease patients and those at risk of developing it. The Ministry of Health's Service Plan, the Medical Services Division's Strategic Plan, health authority plans, and the B.C. government's negotiated agreement with the British Columbia Medical Association have all emphasized the need to shift the system away from acute/episodic care and toward planned/proactive care (Government of British Columbia, 2007). In British Columbia, the Ministry of Health Services is responsible for funding and accountability for regional health authorities, whereas the provincial government distributes financing for chronic disease (and health care in general) in Ontario using the Health System Funding Reform (HSFR) model.
Further Reading:
References:
British Columbia, G. of. (2007). Primary health care charter - ministry of health. British Columbia Ministry of Health. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/2007/phc_charter.pdf
Canada, H. (2007, March). Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. Canada.ca. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/reports-publications/primary-health-care/chronic-disease-prevention-management.html
Canada, H. (2002). Economic Burden of Illness in Canada (1998 data). Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H21-136-1998E.pdf
Health, M. (2007). Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease: Ontario’s Framework. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/cdpm/pdf/framework_full.pdf
Ontario, G. of. (2007, May). Preventing and managing chronic disease: Ontario’s framework. Government of Ontario. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/cdpm/pdf/framework_full.pdf
Comments