Chronically ill adults in the U.S. are far more likely to forgo care because of cost than their counterparts in seven other countries, according to a survey published online by Health Affairs (AHA News.
The 2008 survey of chronically ill adults in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States finds major differences among countries in access, safety, and care efficiency. The Dutch, who have a strong primary care infrastructure, report notably positive access and coordination experiences. Still, deficits in care management during hospital discharge or when seeing multiple doctors occurred in all countries. Findings highlight the need for system innovations to improve outcomes for patients with complex chronic conditions.
Read full article: In Chronic Condition: Experiences Of Patients With Complex Health Care Needs, In Eight Countries, 2008, Health Affairs 28, no. 1 (2009): w1-w16