Member: Social Work Leadership Institute
The report states that an increased prevalence of chronic conditions has accelerated the need to better address the complex health and supportive service issues of affected individuals. This need is particularly relevant to older adults, whose numbers are growing rapidly. Eighty percent of Americans over 65 have at least one chronic disease; almost half have multiple chronic conditions.
Coordinated care programs that integrate medical and social services are increasingly emphasized and have been incorporated into new health reform models, including patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations. Yet there remain significant gaps in the research related to care coordination. Further evidence — including evidence that addresses variability in program design, organizational setting, and available resources — can serve the dual purpose of identifying promising practices and advocating for increased access among aging populations.