In Chronic Condition: Experiences Of Patients With Complex Health Care Needs

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This article describes a survey of chronically ill patients in eight countries, including the US.

Not surprisingly, the US patients had the most problems with costs, although they were able to get specialist appointments the quickest.

48% of US and 50% of UK patient surveyed were taking four or more prescription drugs; the percentages were 33% to 41% for the other six countries.

The survey findings of significant variations in care experiences regarding access, safety, and coordination/efficiency indicate that countries' policies and care systems make a difference for patients coping with complex, chronic conditions. U.S. patients appear at particularly high risk as a result of coverage gaps and poorly organized care. Chronically ill patients in countries with strong primary care infrastructures tend to fare better. Yet deficits in transitional care when patients leave the hospital, inadequate coordination for patients seen by multiple clinicians, and weak efforts to engage or support patients to manage their conditions exist in all countries.

Given that, here is another incentive to stay healthy and fit.