Chronic conditions and diseases are the leading cause of mortality and
morbidity in Europe, accounting for 86% of total premature deaths, and
the burden is likely to grow.
The epidemiologic and economic analysis in this book suggests that
policy-makers should make chronic disease a priority and focuses on the
strategies and interventions to use: prevention and early detection; new
provider qualifications and settings; disease management programes; and
integrated care models, though evidence on their effectiveness and
cost-effectiveness is still limited.
Institutional and organizational challenges are also explored and key
policy recommendations are made in order to tackle them successfully.