Healthcare Issue
Chronic disease presents a significant burden to the American healthcare system, and its management needs a multifaceted strategy. A large proportion of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, are connected to behavioral and lifestyle variables. Diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol usage are all examples.
Many people with chronic diseases make decisions that worsen their health and raise their healthcare costs. This issue must be addressed since it has a direct influence on the prevention and management of chronic illnesses. Another aspect that adds to healthcare costs is the fragmentation of healthcare services. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses tend to need care from a variety of doctors, experts, and institutions, resulting in fragmented care, duplicate testing, and higher administrative expenditures.
Proposed Solution
The implementation of a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) paradigm is one viable approach to managing chronic illness care. PCMH is a method of delivering complete and coordinated care to people with chronic conditions. A doctor directs a patient’s healthcare requirements in the primary care setting or team (Kelley et al., 2020).
Several PCMH model components correspond to the readings and add to its efficacy. Care coordination is a key component of PCMH, ensuring that patients receive the necessary therapy from the appropriate clinicians at the right time. This can help eliminate service duplication and increase the efficiency of care delivery.
The concept promotes patient education and engagement, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their physical and mental well-being. Patients can be empowered through education to make healthier choices and better manage their chronic diseases. PCMH continues to place a significant emphasis on preventive treatment, which is critical in the management of chronic illnesses (Coe et al., 2021). The method focuses on preventative interventions to limit the start and progression of chronic illnesses, resulting in lower healthcare costs.
Implications of the Issue If Not Resolved
Our healthcare system is significantly strained as a result of chronic mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one out of every five Americans has a mental illness in any given year. Beyond healthcare costs, the cost of mental illness includes lost productivity, disability, and reduced quality of life.
Many people suffering from mental diseases, particularly those from marginalized communities, face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. This includes issues such as stigma, a lack of insurance coverage, and a lack of mental health care. These disparities exacerbate the burden of mental illness on the healthcare system.
The economic costs of untreated or poorly managed mental illness are substantial. These costs include not only direct healthcare expenses but also indirect costs, such as disability, unemployment, and reduced productivity. The readings are likely to emphasize the far-reaching economic effects of mental health disparities.
Impact on the Professionals
These issues would have a direct impact on my employment as a leader in aging services and long-term care. Chronic illnesses, including mental health concerns, are becoming more frequent as individuals become older. I would fight for the inclusion of mental health services in long-term care settings, ensuring that people receive comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental health needs.
Employees and residents must be educated on the importance of mental health and the availability of assistance. Reduced stigma and increased knowledge can lead to earlier intervention and treatment. Recognizing the greater social ramifications of untreated mental illness, I would vigorously advocate for legislation that improves access to mental health treatments and addresses care disparities.
References
Kelley, A. S., McGarry, K., Bollens‐Lund, E., Rahman, O. K., Husain, M., Ferreira, K. B., & Skinner, J. S. (2020). Residential setting and the cumulative financial burden of dementia in the 7 years before death (PDF). Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 68(6), 1319–1324.
Coe, N. B., Boyd, C. M., & Chodosh, J. (2021). Chronic care, dementia care management, and financial considerations (PDF). Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 22(7), 1371–1376.