Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Disease Management

Disease management in healthcare refers to a coordinated and organized approach to the care of patients with chronic conditions. It is a healthcare strategy that aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions, while also controlling costs.

Disease management programs typically involve:

Identification and enrollment of eligible patients

Assessment of patients’ needs and risk factors

Development of individualized care plans

Coordination of care across different healthcare providers and settings

Regular monitoring and follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the care plan

Education and self-management support for patients

Disease management programs are usually focused on specific chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.

The goal of disease management is to improve the overall health and well-being of patients with chronic conditions by reducing the frequency and severity of exacerbations, reducing hospitalizations and improving the patient’s quality of life. This is achieved by providing patients with the necessary education, self-management tools, and resources to better manage their condition, and by coordinating care between different healthcare providers.

Disease management programs can also help to control healthcare costs by reducing the need for expensive interventions such as hospitalizations. Overall, Disease management is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that aims to improve the quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions, and to help them better manage their health with the support of healthcare professionals.