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A new debate
Over 17 million people in the UK are currently living
with a long-term condition like asthma, arthritis,
diabetes or some cancers. (1) Nearly half of this
group experience more than one condition. It is
estimated that 60 per cent of GP consultations relate
to chronic disease management (2) and that patients
living with a long-term condition or its complications
use over 60 per cent of hospital beds.
Public debate and health policy continues to prioritise
waiting times for surgery, A&E and other aspects
of hospital care. However, it is increasingly recognised
that more responsive services, greater choice and
more control for patients with long-term conditions
hold the key to improving the quality of life for
the majority of health service users.
Progress is already being made. The challenge now
is to share this good practice across the NHS and
to explore what additional changes are required
to put the needs of people with long-term conditions
at the heart of service design and delivery.
The members of the partnership on long-term conditions
have joined forces to help make this happen. Drawing
on existing good practice,we believe it is time
to set out a common vision of the principles which
should underpin effective care for all people with
long-term conditions.We have also jointly identified
a small number of practical proposals – drawn
up in consultation with patient groups and professionals
– which should be available to everyone. Taken
together,we believe these changes would transform
the care provided to the one in three people in
the UK living with a long-term condition.
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1). Chief Medical Officer, 2001:
The expert patient: a new approach to chronic disease
management for the 21st century. Department of Health.
2). Office for National statistics 2002.
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