Chronic Disease Management in Ru

In a number of health areas, rural populations show higher incidence of heart diseases, respiratory diseases, disability associated with chronic health conditions, and obesity (Health, United States 2001 with Urban and Rural Health Chartbook, 2001; Seeking, et al., in press). Disease management (DM) is an appropriate tool to coordinate care and improve health outcomes for such populations and reduce needs for more costly care (Fos, Fine, and Zuniga, 1998, Gamm, 2000). DM is defined as " a systematic, population-based approach to identify persons at risk, intervening with specific programs of care, and measuring clinical and other outcomes" (Epstein and Sherwood, 1996:883). DM, however, has been most widely utilized in urban settings where it is promoted by large health plans interested in efficiently reaching large numbers of enrollees to reduce costs of care while improving outcomes. The goal of this project is to advance knowledge of the use of DM to address chronic conditions among rural people. Of particular interest is information from participating health plans and providers about special challenges and effective strategies in DM initiatives targeting rural populations (Chen, et al., 2000). Based on analysis of this information, the project team will identify issues of public policy and service managing that can advance effective DM for rural populations.

Zuniga, M.A., Bolin, J.N. & Gamm, L.D. (2003) Chronic Disease Management in Rural Areas. College Station, TX: The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, School of Rural Public Health, Southwest Rural Health Research Center. DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT (PDF)