Mastering Chronic Disease Management: A Look At Practice Benchmarks And How To Grow

Delving into the realm of Chronic Disease Management (CDM), the past two years have seen remarkable progress in practices, with a focus on mastering the intricacies of this vital aspect of healthcare provision. Through the lens of Cubiko’s general practice benchmarking, we uncover the evolution of strategies and outcomes in managing chronic conditions. From utilising templates within Best Practice Premier to exploring innovative tools like the Actions feature for enhanced patient care, this exploration aims to equip Practice Managers with insights and benchmarks to elevate their CDM practices to new heights.

Introduction to Chronic Disease Management

Importance of Effective Chronic Disease Management

Effective Chronic Disease Management (CDM) is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for patients, reducing the progression of diseases, and optimising the use of healthcare resources. With a growing number of individuals living with chronic conditions, the burden on the healthcare system intensifies. Implementing robust CDM practices can lead to improved health outcomes by ensuring regular monitoring and tailored care plans. Moreover, CDM items such as the 721, 723, 732 are well funded by the government and can have a positive impact on a General Practitioner’s billings. With the right management protocols in place, practices can also ensure compliance with healthcare standards and improve patient satisfaction. Ultimately, effective CDM is not just about managing symptoms, but also about empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

Evolution of Chronic Disease Management

Chronic Disease Management (CDM) has evolved significantly, shifting from reactive to proactive and patient-centered care. Traditionally, the focus was on managing acute flare-ups rather than preventing them. However, the past years have seen a transition towards a more holistic approach that includes prevention, early detection, and comprehensive management. The integration of technology into healthcare has been a game-changer, with data analytics playing pivotal roles in identifying patients who may be eligible for services. Furthermore, there has been a greater emphasis on multidisciplinary teams collaborating to provide care, which has been shown to improve outcomes for chronic disease patients. Patient education and self-management are now recognised as essential components of CDM, empowering individuals to take control of their health and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Chronic Disease Management: A Two-Year Benchmark Review

Insights From The Last Two Years

Over the last two years, Chronic Disease Management (CDM) has seen considerable growth and innovation. Data from Cubiko’s Touchstone Report reveals an uptick in the adoption of GP management plans, indicating a broader acceptance of structured CDM strategies. Practices are leveraging technology like never before, utilising tools for better patient identification and follow-up. These insights showcase not only the commitment of healthcare providers to elevate CDM but also the tangible benefits such advancements bring to patient care and practice efficiency.

Recent data from Cubiko’s Touchstone report indicates a modest rise in both CDM-related billings and health assessments over the last two years, signalling a brighter spotlight on structured management strategies. Specifically, CDM’s share of billing averaged 10.59% in 2023, with health assessments contributing 2.63%. However, it’s important to note a downward trend in nurse-led services’ billing share, which decreased to 0.42% in 2023 from the previous year’s 0.56%.

Understanding Cubiko's General Practice Benchmarking

Cubiko’s general practice benchmarking offers valuable insights by aggregating data across various practices to identify trends and best practices in Chronic Disease Management (CDM). This benchmarking serves as a powerful tool for Practice Managers, providing a clear picture of how their practice compares to others in terms of CDM performance. It includes key metrics such as the number of care plans initiated, reviews conducted, and patient outcomes. By analysing this data, practices can pinpoint areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Benchmarks also facilitate goal setting and progress tracking over time. Understanding these benchmarks is critical for practices aiming to enhance their CDM strategies, as it provides a data-driven foundation for making informed decisions and implementing targeted interventions that can lead to better patient health and more efficient practice operations.

Utilising Templates for CDM Plans

Benefits Of Using Templates In The Word Processor

Using templates in the word processor for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans can significantly streamline the process for healthcare providers. These templates allow for a standardised approach to creating management plans, ensuring that all necessary information is consistently captured and nothing is overlooked. They also save time for general practitioners and practice managers by reducing the need to start from scratch for each patient plan. Templates can be customised to include practice-specific goals, interventions, and follow-up schedules, which helps maintain a high standard of care. This consistency in documentation not only improves the quality of patient care but also aids in compliance with healthcare regulations. Furthermore, templates facilitate easier sharing of information within a multidisciplinary team, leading to better-coordinated care and improved patient outcomes.

How To Effectively Use Bp For CDM Plans

Using Bp, or Best Practice Software, effectively for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans involves leveraging its full suite of features to create comprehensive and personalised care plans. Bp’s template feature allows for the creation of detailed CDM templates that can be easily adapted for individual patient needs. Within Bp, you can access a patient’s complete medical history, ensuring that the CDM plans are informed by the latest and most relevant information. It is also possible to set reminders for regular reviews and follow-ups, which are critical components of effective CDM. Additionally, Bp integrates with other healthcare systems, enabling seamless communication and coordination among different healthcare providers. By maximising the capabilities of Bp, Practice Managers can ensure that their practices deliver high-quality, consistent CDM, while also improving efficiency and reducing the administrative burden on healthcare professionals.

Utilising Templates for CDM Plans

Adding Notifications To The Clinical Record

Adding notifications to the clinical record is a powerful way to enhance Chronic Disease Management (CDM). By utilising the Actions feature in healthcare management software, practices can set up alerts for clinicians when they open a patient’s record. This can include reminders for necessary tests, follow-up appointments, or updates to a CDM plan. These notifications act as prompts, ensuring that important tasks are not overlooked and that the patient’s care plan is adhered to meticulously. For patients identified as eligible for certain CDM activities, this feature can streamline the process of providing timely interventions. Moreover, integrating these notifications within the clinical workflow can improve the efficiency of care delivery without adding to the administrative load. Effectively using the Actions feature helps maintain a high standard of patient care while optimising the use of clinician time.

Using Clinical Reminders For Patient Engagement

Clinical reminders are a key tool for patient engagement in Chronic Disease Management (CDM). With the Actions feature, practices can set up reminders not only for healthcare providers but also for patients. These reminders can prompt patients about upcoming appointments, medication refills, or necessary lifestyle changes. By actively involving patients in their own care, these reminders help increase their commitment to managing their condition. They also enhance communication between patients and the practice, building a relationship of trust and support. When patients receive timely and personalised reminders, they’re more likely to adhere to their management plans, which can lead to better health outcomes. The ability to automate these reminders ensures consistency and reduces the likelihood of human error, contributing to a more efficient and patient-cantered approach to CDM.

The Future Of Chronic Disease Management

How Cubiko Is Shaping The Future Of CDM

Cubiko is at the forefront of shaping the future of Chronic Disease Management (CDM) by providing advanced analytics and benchmarking tools tailored for general practices. These tools help practices to identify potential patients eligible for care, streamline operations, and ultimately provide better patient outcomes. Cubiko’s dashboards give real-time insights into patient populations, enabling practices to be proactive in their CDM approaches. With predictive analytics, Cubiko can assist practices in identifying patients at risk and ensure timely interventions. By leveraging Cubiko’s capabilities with Bp Premier, practice managers can lead their teams with confidence, knowing they are backed by robust data and are utilising the latest innovations in healthcare management to enhance their CDM strategies. 

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