Wrong Care in the Wrong Place: Time to Fix Canada's Failing Approach to Chronic Disease

Description by the original source: Unnecessary hospitalizations due to chronic disease are reaching the tipping point of seriously harming this country's healthcare system and do not meet the needs of patients and their families, according to a report by the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI).

"Across Canada, patients end up seeking care in emergency departments to manage their chronic illnesses because more appropriate care isn't available in the community," says Maureen O'Neil, O.C., President of CFHI. "These patients are getting the wrong care in the wrong place."

According to CFHI, diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are placing a growing strain on Canada's healthcare system. COPD is a chronic and progressive lung disease that includes bronchitis and emphysema, and is characterized by debilitating breathlessness. It is primarily caused by smoking. Of all chronic diseases, COPD is the number one reason for hospitalizations in Canada, accounting for the largest number of return visits to emergency departments. COPD also generates the highest volume of hospital readmissions.

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