Implementation of the WHO Strategy for Prevention
and Control of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Managing CRDs
| The core functions most relevant for WHO in
managing CRDs would include provision of technical and policy support to countries (health
care system reform, capacity building via networking and preparing and equipping health
care teams), development of norms and standards (development and integration of
guidelines), and stimulation of development of new technologies, tools and guidelines. |
WHO will facilitate countries to obtain:
1. Technical & Policy support
2. Norms & Standards
3. Know-how, tools, guidelines |
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Health Care Systems must change to respond better to Chronic Illnesses
Premise.
It is recognised that CRDs like other noncommunicable diseases which share aspects of
chronicity and risk factors, are increasing dramatically and the burden they place on
governments, health care systems and families are enormous. While the global burden of
disease has been shifting from acute communicable illnesses to one of chronic illnesses,
the systems designed to deliver treatment and care have not kept pace with the shift. At
the same time there exists the scientific knowledge and experience to both prevent and
manage CRDs and other NCDs.
Present status.
The majority of patients are seen at the primary health care level presenting with an
acute problem needing treatment. The patient faces one of two fates. A diagnosis is made,
treatment given, patient returns home without follow-up until the next episode. Or
preliminary diagnosis is made, referral to another level of care with greater expertise
and diagnostic tools for further examination of the problem, the patient is treated,
patient returns home and may receive follow-up but rarely is information about the
patient's condition relayed to the patient or back to the primary care level.
New models.
| It is agreed therefore that new models are
required which will integrate both the acute care response, as well as the long term
response. Research indicates the following elements as being key to improvement in outcome
for chronic conditions: communication, continuity, co-ordination, comprehensiveness and
community linkages. |
Key factors for chronic conditions
1. Communication
2. Continuity
3. Co-ordination
4. Comprehensiveness
5. Community linkages |
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