This site contains useful information designed for B.C. health care providers and individuals living with a chronic disease. You will also find information about the latest developments in chronic disease management in B.C.

Patients: includes information for people living with a chronic illness, including general medical information, resources, and information on specific diseases.

Practitioners: includes information on improving clinical management of chronic diseases, patient registers, performance measures, clinical practice guidelines, the Full Service Family Practice Incentive Program, and information on specific diseases. Physicians can get personal performance reports from a Secure Web Site.

Chronic Disease Management in B.C.: latest developments in chronic disease management in B.C., research and reports, and background on the Chronic Care Model adapted for use in B.C.

Success Stories: find out how patients and their health care providers are successfully preventing and overcoming the debilitating effects of chronic disease.

Reports and Research: go here to find current data, research and articles on Chronic Disease Management.

What is Chronic Disease?

Chronic diseases are prolonged conditions that often do not improve and are rarely cured completely. Diabetes, depression, congestive heart failure, hepatitis and asthma are examples of chronic diseases. Approximately one in four British Columbians have been diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases.

Chronic illness has a profound effect on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of individuals, often making it difficult to carry on with daily routines and relationships. However, in many cases, deterioration in health can be minimized by good care. This often depends upon individual choices made on a daily basis.

What is Chronic Disease Management?

Chronic disease management (CDM) is a systematic approach to improving health care for people with chronic disease. Health care can be delivered more effectively and efficiently if patients with chronic diseases take an active role in their own care and providers are supported with the necessary resources and expertise to better assist their patients in managing their illness. For more information on chronic disease management, see Chronic Disease Management in B.C.

Last Revised: December 17, 2007