Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1487. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the implementation to date of the chronic disease management programme across age cohort and conditions covered; if the programme has met its targets to date in terms of key milestones; his plans for the future roll-out of the programme to cohorts and conditions not yet covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63382/21]
View answerThe initial phase of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme commenced on schedule in 2020 with adult GMS and GP visit card patients aged 75 years and over who have a diagnosis of one or more of the specified chronic diseases: type 2 diabetes, asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular disease.
In July 2020, a modified porgramme to facilitate remote reviews during the COVID-19 pandemic was added and the programme was expanded, ahead of schedule, to include adults aged 70 and over. Under this modified programme, patients could undertake their reviews either in person or remotely.
In January 2021, the programme was further extended to patients aged 65 years and over. In 2022, the final phase of the treatment programme is being extended to all GMS patients aged 18 years and over. Opportunistic case finding and prevention for those at high risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease will also commence this year.
Notwithstanding the impact of Covid-19, there has been considerable progress in the roll out of the CDM and Modified CDM programme. Targets have been met in terms of key milestones. Over 90% of eligible GPs are enrolled in the GP Agreement for CDM to date. In 2020, an estimated 115,000 patients were registered on the programme, and GPs and practice nurses undertook over 126,000 consultations for people aged over 70 years. Programme data shows that 90% of people with these conditions are being managed solely in general practice for their non communicable diseases. Between January and October 2021, an estimated additional 59,130 new patients have been registered on the programme with GPs and practice nurses providing over 178,000 consultations for people aged over 65 years during this period.
There are no plans at present to extend the programme further.
