Get Back to Basics: 6 Principles of Chronic Care
Chronic care is one of the most important, but least understood aspects of healthcare. Too often, it is viewed as secondary to acute care. However, chronic care is essential to keeping patients healthy and preventing them from needing costly acute care treatments down the road.
In this blog post, we will discuss 6 basic principles of chronic care that can help your business provide better quality care for its patients. And if you want to know more about how it can boost your revenue, read How Chronic Care Management Can Improve your Bottom Line.
1: Keep it Patient Centered
Chronic care is most effective when it is patient-centered. This means that the care plan should be tailored to the individual needs of the Patient, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The care plan should also be flexible, so that it can be adjusted as the Patient’s needs change over time.
2: Focus on Preventing the Condition From Worsening
The goal of chronic care is to prevent or delay the progression of disease. This requires a focus on health promotion and disease prevention, rather than just treating symptoms. It is important to educate patients on lifestyle changes they can make to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.
3: Be Consistent
Chronic care must be continuous and ongoing, rather than episodic. This means that patients should have regular check-ups and appointments with their care team, even when they are feeling well. This allows for early detection and treatment of any problems that may arise.
4: Incorporate the Whole Team
Chronic care is most effective when it is delivered by a team of healthcare professionals. This team should include the primary care physician, specialists, nurses, case managers, and other support staff. Each member of the team should be aware of the patient’s overall condition and treatment plan.
5: Embrace Technology
Technology can play an important role in chronic care management. Electronic health records (EHRs) can help track a patient’s progress and identify potential problems early on. Additionally, mobile health applications (apps) can help patients manage their condition and stay on track with their treatment plan.
6: Use Quality Measures
Chronic care quality measures are an important tool for assessing and improving the quality of care. These measures can help identify areas where care is falling short and identify opportunities for improvement.
Implementing these six principles of chronic care management into your program can help improve the quality of care you provide and lead to better health outcomes for your patients. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can help, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and tailor a solution that fits your business.