Disease Management Research and Policy Initiatives
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The purpose of this chapter is to explore selected health policy issues emerging from recent research and documented experiences with disease management (DM) in the private and public sectors. More specifically, it will identify some of the precursors to DM and explore the increased reliance on and authoritative support of DM in Americas public and private sector. Definitions of DM variously emphasize the role of the patient or informal caregiver, a closer relationship between patient and provider, guideline compliant care by providers, and implementation and evaluation of population-based approaches to improved care for those with targeted chronic diseases.1 Health policy is defined here as a set of authoritative laws, regulations, and practices at national, state, or local levels that significantly impact the organization, delivery, or financing of health services.2 At a more general societal level, health policy encompasses widely institutionalized and accepted practices in both the public, private, and voluntary sectors affecting access, cost, and quality of care. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of several key policy issues for future research in DM.