Jan. 27, Toronto, ON – Many Canadians with chronic health
conditions don't regularly receive some of the expected types of support that
could help them better manage their own health, according to the latest
Canadian Health Care Matters bulletin from the Health Council of Canada.
The
bulletin – Helping Patients Help
Themselves: Are Canadians with chronic conditions getting the support they need
to manage their health? – is based on the 2008 Canadian Survey of
Experiences with primary health care, which measured the quality of health care
as reported by Canadian patients, including those with seven common chronic
conditions.
"Self-management is recognized as a crucial aspect of primary health
care," said Lyn McLeod, Councillor at the Health Council of Canada.
"Patients – particularly those with chronic conditions – need support to
develop the knowledge and skills to manage their health care and become
partners in their own health."
Overall,
though, self-management support is too often non-existent. According to the
bulletin:
- At best, about half to two thirds of Canadians
with a chronic condition were asked to talk about their goals in caring for
their chronic disease with their health care provider.
About one-quarter were referred to a
specific support group to help them cope or encouraged to attend a community
program such as an exercise class.
Only about one-quarter to one-third
received a written list of things they could do to improve their health.
Along
with the bulletin, the Health Council of Canada is asking Canadians to share
their experiences with chronic conditions and the role self-management plays in
their treatment and care.
To download the bulletin or to participate in the discussion, visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca .
Health Council of Canada
The
Health Council of Canada, created by the 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health
Care Renewal is mandated to monitor and report on the progress of health care
renewal in Canada.
Councillors were appointed by the participating provinces, territories and the
Government of Canada.
For more information on the Health Council of Canada or to view past reports,
visit www.healthcouncilcanada.ca
Source, CNW Group
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