The Irish College of GPs has welcomed the highly positive findings of a report on the GP led Chronic Disease Management programme, issued by the HSE.
The report found that the programme was achieving a high level of impact on the health of the population and freeing up capacity in the health service – reaching over 400,000 patients, with 91% of these now receiving routine chronic disease care within the community.
The report stated that participants had 30% fewer Emergency Department attendances, 26% fewer hospital admissions, and 33% fewer GP out-of-hours visits.
Irish College of GPs’ Medical Director, Dr Diarmuid Quinlan said the success of the Chronic Disease Management Programme in General Practice stems from a strong sign up by GPs with 97% providing the service.
“This GP led programme has been transformative for eligible patients (those with medical cards or doctor visit cards) living with Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, Asthma and cardiovascular illness – and is a very positive step forward for the provision of care outside of hospitals. The findings also demonstrate the power of General Practice to deliver whole country large population health impacts when appropriately resourced.”
The Chronic Disease Management programme has been in operation for five years and this is the third report the HSE has published on its impact and reach within healthcare system.
The report Structured Chronic Disease Management Treatment Programme in General Practice showed a decrease in unscheduled admissions to hospitals among patients in the programme.
In the first half of 2024, only 8% of the 270,000 patients attending scheduled GP reviews were admitted to hospitals in the prior six months, comparing favourably with the Healthy Ireland 2023 data which showed a 12% annual admission rate among the general population.
Dr Quinlan also highlighted the impact on prevention and early detection. “Since 2020, 51% of new chronic disease diagnoses have been made through GPs in the programme. This prevents the need for more intensive hospital-based treatments – this is transforming people’s health journeys and promoting sustainable healthcare practices”.
He also stated: “by delivering community-based healthcare, reducing hospital dependency, and promoting early disease detection – this programme is ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of the population”.
The full report can be accessed here
Further Information
Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.