OBJECTIVES (1) To review the literature on cardiovascular disease management programs in managed care populations, (2) compare the rigor of the studies and their findings by disease state, and (3) posit directions for future research. SUMMARY A total of 20 studies conducted in managed care populations were reviewed: 5 in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), 9 in hypertensive patients...

BACKGROUND Comparing disease management programs and their effects is difficult because of wide variability in program intensity and complexity. The purpose of this effort was to develop an instrument that can be used to describe the intensity and complexity of heart failure (HF) disease management programs. METHODS AND RESULTS Specific composition criteria were taken from the American Heart ...

The results of 44 studies investigating financial impact and return on investment (ROI) from disease management (DM) programs for asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, depression, and multiple illnesses were examined. A positive ROI was found for programs directed at CHF and multiple disease conditions. Some evidence suggests that diabetes programs may save more than they cost, but ...

OBJECTIVE Primary care plays a central role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. We expected that countries with strong primary care systems would have programs to improve management of disease, but wondered how they dealt with lifestyle interventions delivered in primary care. STUDY DESIGN Observational comparative study. METHODS Using country coordinators and key in...

In many Western countries, including the Netherlands, disease management programs are increasingly being implemented to enhance quality and continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions. Fragmentary funding of these programs, however, hampered the establishment of long-term programs. In 2007, the Dutch minister of health therefore approved the introduction of a bundled-payment approac...