Chronic disease/long-term patient management

Chronic Disease Management

Definition of “Chronic Diseases”

According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases (also known as non-communicable diseases) are those that “tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors” and the main types are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.

Chronic diseases usually require long-term management and treatment. Key to managing chronic diseases is early diagnosis, effective treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. It is best to know more about the diseases no matter you are a patient or a patient’s caregiver.

Chronic diseases are common

According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for approximately 70% of all deaths globally. According to the Department of Health, more than 50% of all deaths in Hong Kong are attributable to chronic diseases. Common chronic diseases in Hong Kong include:

1. Cardiovascular diseases

Heart disease: including coronary artery disease, myocardial infraction, and heart failure
Stroke

2. Metabolic diseases

Diabetes
Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Lipid metabolism disorders: high cholesterol, and high triglycerides
Hyperuricemia: gout
Osteoporosis

3. Respiratory system diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Asthma

4. Neoplastic diseases

Cancers: including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer

5. Immune system diseases

Autoimmune diseases: including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune thyroid diseases

6. Kidney diseases

Chronic kidney disease

7. Liver diseases

Chronic liver diseases: Hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis

8. Neurological diseases

Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease

9. Mood disorders

Depression
Anxiety disorders

Chronic disease management

The difficulty in managing chronic diseases stems from the interplay of multiple factors, including genes, environment, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Furthermore, patients often suffer from multiple co-existing conditions requiring long-term medication, but they frequently lack adherence to medication and self-management skills, and fail to clearly understand the effects and side effects of the drugs. Managing chronic diseases demands patient self-discipline; a lack of self-management skills and awareness of treatment can lead to disease deterioration and the development of complications.

Chronic diseases are a significant public health challenge worldwide and can have significant impacts on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. The slow progression of symptoms can make them difficult to diagnose and treat, and effective management often requires a coordinated effort among healthcare providers, patients and their families or caregivers. Chronic disease management is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining optimal health for individuals with chronic conditions. This involves ongoing medical attention, regular monitoring, self-management by the patient, lifestyle changes and medication management as appropriate.

Icon Medical can play a vital role to assist in managing chronic diseases

Icon Medical is committed to providing comprehensive personal health management services for individuals with diverse health conditions, playing a vital role in the management of chronic illnesses. In addition to arranging home visits for diagnosis and treatment by specialist medical doctors, Icon Medical also provides home care and assessment services by registered nurses and nursing staff. Our professional nursing and rehabilitation service team includes : registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nutritionists, health workers, and caregivers/nursing assistants. Icon Medical's one-stop health management services can assist in lifestyle changes, thereby reducing the chances of developing chronic illnesses. Icon Medical also provides the necessary services for individuals of different ages and health stages, offering maximum support and personalized rehabilitation support for patients with chronic illnesses, helping them manage symptoms, restore physical function, improve overall health and quality of life, and regain a healthy state.

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