The Irish College of GPs has welcomed the “highly positive” findings of a new report on the GP led chronic disease management (CDM) programme, issued by the HSE.
The report found that the programme was achieving a “high level of impact” on the health of the population and freeing up capacity in the health service – reaching over 400,000 patients, with 91 per cent of these now receiving routine chronic disease care within the community.
The report stated that participants had 30 per cent fewer emergency department attendances, 26 per cent fewer hospital admissions, and 33 per cent fewer GP out-of-hours visits.
“This GP led programme has been transformative for eligible patients [those with medical cards or doctor visit cards] living with Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, Asthma and cardiovascular illness – and is a very positive step forward for the provision of care outside of hospitals,” said Irish College of GPs’ Medical Director, Dr Diarmuid Quinlan.
“The findings also demonstrate the power of general practice to deliver whole country large population health impacts when appropriately resourced.”
He added that the “success” of the CDM stems from a strong sign up by GPs with 97 per cent providing the service.
The CDM has been in operation for five years and this is the third report the HSE has published on its impact and reach within healthcare system.
The report Structured Chronic Disease Management Treatment Programme in General Practice showed a decrease in unscheduled admissions to hospitals among patients in the programme.
Dr Quinlan also highlighted the impact on prevention and early detection. “Since 2020, 51 per cent of new chronic disease diagnoses have been made through GPs in the programme. This prevents the need for more intensive hospital-based treatments – this is transforming people’s health journeys and promoting sustainable healthcare practices”.
The full report can be accessed here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/primary/third-chronic-disease-report.pdf
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