Care opportunity: Americans lacking the tools to fight chronic disease
WASHINGTON — Almost three-in-four Americans feel they aren't properly armed with the tools to address their chronic diseases, suggsted a Family Medicine for America's Health survey released Thursday. According to the survey of 400 adults with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, 72% are not receiving the tools and support to live a healthy lifestyle, 44% are not getting the support and advice about their medications and 35% are not receiving the information to help manage their condition.
“We can’t solve our nation’s health care crisis if we can’t do a better job preventing and managing chronic disease," said Glen Stream, president and board chair for Family Medicine for America's Health. "A strong primary care foundation is a big part of the solution,” he said. “Strong primary care can help prevent chronic disease and, for the patients that have chronic illness, it can provide the advice, skills and support patients need to improve their quality of life.”
“Primary care practices around the country are innovating to better prevent and manage chronic disease,” Stream continued. “This means expanded care teams that include professionals who advise patients on medications and care managers who work with patients on a day-to-day basis to help them build the skills and confidence to manage their disease. Family medicine has always put the patient first and our partnership with our patients can help make a big difference in managing chronic diseases. We need coordinated, comprehensive, continuous care to address chronic disease – and primary care can provide it.”
According to the survey:
Most (72%) of the respondents are not receiving the tools and support they need to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes 67% of those living with Type 2 diabetes, 74% with high blood pressure and 70% with obesity;
One third (35%) of the respondents are not receiving information about managing their chronic diseases. By disease this includes 30% with Type 2 diabetes, 31% with high blood pressure and 39% with obesity; and
Four in ten (44%) respondents are not receiving support and advice about their medications. This includes 39% for those with Type 2 diabetes, 43% with high blood pressure and 45% with obesity.
Family Medicine for America’s Health is a new collaboration between the nation’s eight leading family medicine organizations to drive continued improvement of the U.S. healthcare system and demonstrate the value of true primary care. Family Medicine for America's Health represents American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation; American Board of Family Medicine; American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians; Association of Departments of Family Medicine; Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors; North American Primary Care Research Group; and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.
This Family Medicine for America’s Health Chronic Disease Management Study was conducted April 17 – 22, 2015 among 400 adults (aged 18 and over) with a chronic condition living in the United States. This study interviewed people living with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. Three-in-five survey respondents (61%) suffer from multiple conditions. This online survey was sponsored by Family Medicine for America’s Health as part of its Health is Primary campaign.