NSW Chronic Care Program

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NSW Chronic Care Program

The increasing incidence of chronic disease is a challenge facing health services both in Australia and around the world. By 2020 it is expected that 80 per cent of the disease burden in Australia will be due to chronic disease. The NSW Chronic Care Program was established under the NSW government Action Plan for Health in 2000 to address the challenges presented by the increase in chronic disease. The Program seeks to improve the quality of life of people with chronic and complex conditions, their carers and families and prevent unplanned and avoidable hospital admissions.

Phase One (2000 - 2003)

Phase one of the NSW Chronic Care Program (2000 - 2003) focused on the priority areas of cardiovascular, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, and the establishment and support of sixty local priority health care programs. The program focused on the implementation of best practice models of care for priority health care areas. Other key initiatives included the development of clinical service frameworks for the three priority areas, and the development and distribution of a patient held health record (My Health Record). Achievements included the saving of 56,000 bed days, substantial reductions in emergency department presentations and hospital admissions/readmissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction and quality of life.

NSW Chronic Care Program 2000-2003: Report on Phase one and Executive Summary summarise the achievements of phase one of the NSW Chronic Care Program.

Phase Two (2003-2006)

Phase two of the NSW Chronic Care Program was established to build on the lessons and achievements of phase one. The Clinical Service Frameworks for Respiratory, Heart Failure and Cancer were released in July 2003. Their implementation was supported by the NSW Chronic Care Collaborative, which was developed in collaboration with the Clinical Excellence Commission and a key initative of phase two.

The NSW Chronic Care Program: Phase Two 2003 - 2006 and Executive Summary outline the key plans of the Program for phase two.

Phase 3 (2006-2009)

The NSW Chronic Care Program Phase 3, 2006-2009: NSW Chronic Disease Strategy is incorporated within the clinical redesign program of NSW Health. Strategies include Rehabilitation for Chronic Disease which involves care of people with chronic disease across the care continuum and embraces self management support, case management for those unable to self manage, advanced care, planning and other initiatives to support older people.

Other supporting documents include Rehabilitation for Chronic Disease Volume 2 and Rehabilitation for Chronic Disease: Model of Care.

For further information or to subscribe to the Chronic Care Listserve please contact the NSW Chronic Care Unit on 02 9391 9820 or 9424 5806