CPGs’ role in achieving a comprehensive approach to care

Susan Eng, VP, Advocacy, CARP

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) promote effective and consistent clinical care across all regions, and they can also have a vital role in ensuring quality care for complex cases. The Health Council of Canada has recognized that CPGs still need to expand to help those with multiple chronic diseases. Otherwise, in the current form, they are contributing to the fragmented nature of our system.

CARP’s One Patient model calls for an integrated care continuum, in which the health care system is comprehensive, easy to navigate, and patient-centric, taking into consideration the full spectrum of health needs as people age, particularly with multiple chronic conditions. Rather than responding exclusively to certain needs, One Patient takes into consideration people’s needs comprehensively, recognizing that those needs constantly change throughout people’s lives. CPGs are an opportunity to help attain this comprehensive approach to care, primarily through expanding the scope to include multiple chronic diseases, which will allow all patients to receive the appropriate care they need.

The health needs of our aging society demand a comprehensive approach. Studies and reports have shown that not only are there more people with chronic conditions but also more people who are dealing with more than one chronic disease. Patients want to know that the system will provide care for all their health needs, regardless of the number of chronic diseases they have.

Despite the importance of establishing greater patient engagement, national standards, and performance indicators, none of those efforts will help those with multiple chronic diseases unless the CPGs also address their needs. As a result, it is critically important that the next steps prioritize expanding the CPGs to be inclusive of multiple chronic diseases and making the system more comprehensive so that no one is left falling through the cracks.