Bridging knowledge to develop an action plan for integrated care for chronic diseases in Greece

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Chronic diseases pose significant health, social, and economic burdens in Europe.
• Greece, particularly affected by the 2009 economic crisis and austerity, faces heightened threats from chronic diseases.
• Rising healthcare expenditures and the impact of austerity measures on vulnerable populations underscore the need for urgent action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To support Greek policymakers in developing an action plan for integrated care from 2015 onwards.
• To bridge local policy needs with European experiences in integrated care.
• To analyze the status of integrated care in Greece and propose reforms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the World Health Organization's conceptual framework for integrated care analysis.
• Analyzed the Greek healthcare system's prerequisites for integrated care.
• Examined successful integrated care models from other European countries.

Main Results:

• Chronic diseases are inadequately managed in Greece.
• Integrated care is in its nascent stages within the Greek healthcare system.
• Failure to reform risks the collapse of the Greek healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• Substantial reforms in chronic care are critically needed in Greece.
• An action plan is proposed to guide policymakers toward integrated care.
• Policy decisions require close collaboration between policymakers and health/social care partners.