Chronic Disease Management - The Patient's Perspective.

A paucity of data exists on Irish patients' perspective of chronic disease management. This study explores patients' views on what is the most appropriate setting for their chronic disease management, the advantages and disadvantages of these settings, and where they get information on their condition. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out with 24 patients. Three main themes emerged: Current Care Model, Health Literacy and Treatment Burden. Patients believe that the GP-patient relationship plays a pivotal role in the provision of chronic disease management. Health literacy and psychosocial burden were found to impact significantly on the lives of patients with chronic disease(s).