Exploring a chronic care model in a regional healthcare context

The episodic acute care model of service delivery that consumes the majority of healthcare funding is inadequate to meet the needs of a society experiencing an increasing burden of chronic illness. This article describes, in a regional Canadian healthcare context, the application and preliminary evaluation of a model of chronic care delivery developed in a managed care environment in the United States. The strategic goals of this model are to empower clients by providing a redesigned service delivery environment that supports self-management; support care providers by developing clinical information systems and decision supports; and align community resources, policies and organization of care to support an informed, activated client and a proactive practice team.