Chronic Disease ManagementChoose one of the following chronic diseases

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Introduction: Chronic diseases have become a significant public health concern worldwide. These conditions often require continuous medical attention and can bring significant financial and social burdens on the affected individuals and society as a whole. For this component, we will discuss the management of chronic diseases, including hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, and childhood asthma. In this assignment, we will detail the population affected by the chosen chronic disease, evaluate the population’s size, seriousness of disease, and special needs. We will also assess the need for formal case management and argue the potential benefits of implementing a case management model. Analyzing why nursing should be a part of this plan and identifying other team members who should be included on a case management team and their roles.

Detail the population including who the members are, contributing causes, past medical history, family/genetic components.

Hypertension affects around 1.13 billion people worldwide (Joffres et al., 2018). The disease primarily affects individuals above the age of 18 and those who are overweight. Contributing causes of hypertension include high sodium intake, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyle practices. Past medical history, including a history of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, can increase the risk of developing hypertension. Genetic factors can also contribute to hypertension, such as a family history of high blood pressure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic disease in which the airflow in the lungs is obstructed due to inflammation or damage to the lungs. COPD primarily affects individuals who smoke, have a history of lung infections or exposure to pollutants. Other risk factors include a history of asthma and genetic predispositions.

Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is a chronic metabolic disease affecting millions worldwide. This chronic disease commonly affects individuals past middle age who are overweight or obese. Contributing causes of diabetes mellitus type 2 include unhealthy lifestyle practices, such as an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. Past medical history, including a history of gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome, increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus type 2. Family history and genetic factors also contribute to the development of this chronic disease.

Childhood asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects children aged 18 years and below. Contributing causes of childhood asthma include exposure to air pollutants, allergens, and a history of respiratory infections. Past medical history, including a history of allergies or eczema, increases the risk of developing childhood asthma. Genetic factors also play a role in the development of this disease, such as a family history of asthma.

Evaluate the population including size, seriousness of disease, special needs, etc.

The size of the populations affected by hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus type 2, and childhood asthma is significant. Hypertension, in particular, is an epidemic in many countries, including the United States, affecting approximately 46% (116 million) of American adults (Joffres et al., 2018). The seriousness of disease varies across the different chronic diseases, with hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2 being the most critical health concerns due to their contribution to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Childhood asthma can also have significant impacts on the quality of life of affected individuals and their families, with potential hospitalization and reduced participation in physical activities. The populations affected by these chronic diseases have special needs, including access to affordable medical care and medications, support and information on self-care, and preventing exacerbations and complications of the diseases.

Assess the need for formal case management.

Formal case management is necessary for the effective management of chronic diseases, including hypertension, COPD, diabetes mellitus type 2, and childhood asthma. The goal of case management is to ensure that patients receive continuous medical attention, personalized care plans, education, and support to manage their conditions effectively. Formal case management can help reduce healthcare costs, improve health outcomes, and enhance the quality of life of individuals with chronic diseases.

Argue the potential benefits of implementing a case management model including economics, quality of life/care, social disruption, etc.

Implementing a case management model for chronic disease management can bring significant benefits to patients, healthcare providers, and society as a whole. Economically, formal case management can reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and hospitalizations, promoting preventive measures, and ensuring that healthcare resources are used efficiently. Quality of life can be improved through individualized care plans, education, and support, helping patients manage their conditions and improve health outcomes. Formal case management can also reduce social disruption by ensuring that individuals with chronic diseases have access to affordable medical care and medications, allowing them to participate fully in work or school.

Analyze why nursing should be a part of this plan. What can they bring to the table?

Nursing should be part of the case management team for chronic disease management due to their extensive knowledge and experience in providing holistic, patient-centered care. Nurses can take on various roles, including care coordinators, disease educators, and support staff, to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care. They can help patients manage their medications, monitor symptoms, and provide education and support on self-care practices to improve health outcomes.

Identify other team members who should be included on a case management team. Why should they be on this team and what is their role?

Case management teams should comprise multidisciplinary healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and patient educators. Physicians can provide medical oversight, diagnosis, and treatment plans, while pharmacists can ensure that the correct medication is prescribed, dosed appropriately, and managed effectively. Social workers can provide social support, including financial assistance, patient educators offer education resources, and support to manage the chronic disease effectively, improving health outcomes. Each team member can take on specific roles, promoting collaborative care and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care tailored towards their unique needs.

References

Joffres, M., Falaschetti, E., Gillespie, C., Robitaille, C., Loustalot, F., Hirch, S., … & Johnson, C. (2018). Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in national surveys from England, the USA, Canada, and Japan, and in a worldwide meta-analysis of 2019 studies. The Lancet, 386(10000), 1005-1010.

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