Opportunities and obstacles in the care of the chronic patient

During the last decades enormous progress has been made in the therapy of many chronic diseases. Optimization of care is needed involving expertise of different physicians and health professionals. Integration of expertise is mandatory in a care program with well-defined targets, involving also the patients' opinion. Practical and emotional obstacles need to be replaced by a therapeutic enthusiasm. Opportunities and hurdles for optimal care are discussed, illustrated with a few examples from the literature.

Publication year:2011