Managing chronic conditions in primary care: Best practices and emerging technologies
Keywords:
Chronic disease management, integrated care, primary care, technology, patient-centered care, Sláintecare, scoping reviewAbstract
Background: Chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and COPD are leading global health challenges, contributing significantly to mortality and healthcare costs. Fragmented care services often struggle to meet the complex needs of these patients, making integrated care models a promising approach to improve outcomes and efficiency. Aim: This scoping review aims to explore existing literature on integrated care models for managing chronic conditions, identify best practices and technologies, and pinpoint areas for future research, particularly in alignment with the Irish Sláintecare program. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The review process involved defining research questions, searching relevant literature, and analyzing data from 22 studies published between 2009 and 2019. Studies were selected based on their relevance to primary care integration and chronic disease management. Results: Integrated care models, including multidisciplinary teams and community-based interventions, have shown promise in improving patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Technologies like EHRs and telemedicine facilitate integration by enhancing communication and monitoring. However, results varied, with some studies reporting mixed outcomes related to cost and implementation. Conclusion: Integrated care can enhance chronic disease management but requires ongoing research to address implementation challenges and optimize practices.
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