Caring for chronically ill people

Abstract

Much of the care available to people, especially those with chronic illnesses is impersonal, fragmentary and episodic. This kind of care is ineffectual and generates unnecessary expense and hardship. Our medical system is good at coming to a diagnosis. It is less effective in giving ongoing care for people who need continued help. To do better we need to be more organised and develop systems that will make possible an effective ongoing commitment to the patient.