Managing chronic disease: A key to healthcare’s future

As healthcare professionals, we are seeing a global shift in how resources are allocated, with a growing focus on managing chronic diseases. This is not just because chronic conditions are on the rise, but also because managing them well is critical. In fact, global migration patterns are increasingly influenced by people seeking better places to manage their chronic illnesses. For GPs like myself, dealing with chronic illnesses is a significant part of what we do every day. It’s something that deeply affects our patients, their families, and the healthcare system here in Ireland—especially as our population continues to age.

The benefits of managing chronic disease well

GPs can make a real difference in the management of chronic diseases. By effectively controlling these conditions, we can significantly improve our patients' quality of life, ease the burden on their families, and help the healthcare system run more smoothly. Good chronic disease management doesn’t just improve patient outcomes—it also enhances the quality of care we provide and the value we bring to our patients.

When chronic diseases are well-managed, everyone benefits. In the first place, patients don't need to visit the clinic as often or stay in the hospital for extended periods, which lightens the load on our healthcare system. Managing medications carefully can also prevent the complications that come with polypharmacy—like harmful drug interactions, which are especially concerning in older patients. Moreover, good management improves mental health and overall well-being, leading to greater independence and a better quality of life. Ultimately, this also helps reduce healthcare costs, which is good for both patients and the system.

HSE’s Chronic Disease Management programme

In response to the need for effective chronic condition care, the HSE and the Irish Government have implemented the Chronic Disease Management programme. This initiative provides financial support to GPs to help cover the costs of ongoing care for chronic conditions. The programme specifically targets the following conditions: ischaemic heart disease, CVA/TIA, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, asthma, COPD and diabetes.

This funding is crucial, and I think it should be used to increase staffing levels and improve the services we offer. At our practice, we have hired a HCA (Health Care Assistant) to reinforce our team’s work. This role is becoming increasingly important in the healthcare team, providing much-needed support in managing chronic diseases. HCAs can handle routine checks, patient education, and follow-ups, freeing up GPs to focus on more complex cases and ensuring that patients receive the continuous, comprehensive care they need.

Self-empowerment: the key to success

For me, the most important aspect of managing chronic diseases is empowering patients so they are able to understand their conditions and feel confident managing them independently. As their conditions progress, it’s also important to involve caregivers and offer them the support they need— because supporting the caregiver is just as important as caring for the patient.

By working together—GPs, doctors, nurses, HCAs, patients, and caregivers—we can make a real difference in chronic disease management, ensuring that our healthcare system remains strong and responsive to the needs of our population.

I want to thank the HSE and the Irish Government for the Chronic Disease Management programme, an initiative that improves our ability to manage chronic conditions throughout Ireland.