The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) has released a new report that highlights the consensus opinions of an international expert panel of fifteen leading thinkers and researchers on chronic health conditions, co-chaired by Drs. Louise Nasmith and Penny Ballem. CAHS provides assessments of and advice on key issues relevant to the health of Canadians.
The panel agrees that people who have chronic health conditions need access to a system of care, including a clinician or a team of clinicians who are responsible for providing them with primary care, as well as coordinating acute, specialty and community services throughout the life span. The group recommends:
- Changes to what is covered in the health system and how providers are paid;
- Mechanisms to ensure quality drives system performance;
- A culture of lifelong education and learning;
- Supports that allow people with chronic conditions to be partners in their own care;
- Better use of and access to health information; and
- Targeted research to improve health outcomes.
See “Transforming Care for Canadians with Chronic Health Conditions: Put People First, Expect the Best, Manage for Results,” Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, 2010, available in both English and French at www.cahs-acss.ca.