Chronic Illness Notes — Chapter 8

THE PREVALENCE AND COSTS OF CHRONIC DISEASE

• Chronic disease v. chronic illness
• Prevalence among US adults: $rac{6}{10} = 0.6$ of adults have at least one chronic disease
• Prevalence of multiple chronic conditions: $rac{4}{10} = 0.4$ of adults have two or more chronic conditions
• Each chronic disease adds to the expense of care
• Disease prevention and better symptom management can greatly reduce these costs

MULTIFACTORIAL NATURE OF CHRONIC DISEASE (1 OF 4)

• Genetic factors
  • Influence of genetics
  • Family history
  • Genetic screening

MULTIFACTORIAL NATURE OF CHRONIC DISEASE (2 OF 4)

• Environmental factors
• Lifestyle and risk factors
  • Tobacco use
  • Effects of alcohol
  • Nutrition

MULTIFACTORIAL NATURE OF CHRONIC DISEASE (3 OF 4)

• Physical effects of chronic illness
• Physical effects and limitations vary greatly
• Determine patients’ individual physical needs and provide patient-centered care

MULTIFACTORIAL NATURE OF CHRONIC DISEASE (4 OF 4)

• Psychosocial needs of patients with chronic illness
  • Depression
  • Social isolation
  • Loneliness
• Growth and developmental considerations
  • Children
  • Older adults

FAMILY CAREGIVERS

• Family caregivers are at risk for poor health
• Risk factors for poor health outcomes include:
  • Providing care for more than one year
  • Being 65 years of age or older
  • Providing care for a family member with significant needs
  • Caring for someone with Alzheimer disease or dementia
  • Living with the care recipient

THE CHRONIC CARE MODEL

• Community
• Self-management support
• Health system
• Delivery system design
• Decision support
• Clinical information systems

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

• Assessing patients with chronic illnesses
• Adherence
• Symptom management
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Lifestyle

HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION

• Screening for diseases
• Patient education and chronic disease self-management
• Promoting adherence
• Self-management education

PUBLIC POLICY

• Be aware and supportive of legislation that focuses on controlling external environmental factors that contribute to chronic diseases
• Review publications and websites from reputable organizations about current policies
• Use knowledge and skills to promote health through patient education
• Encourage screenings