The number of people with chronic diseases has risen exponentially in recent years, prompting the World Health Organization to declare chronic disease to be the number one health care challenge of the 21st century. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports that a third of Canadian adults have a chronic disease. Of this group, the Health Council of Canada has found that that more than 30% have multiple long-term health conditions – known as complex chronic disease. In Ontario alone, over 55% of seniors have complex chronic disease.
Individuals with complex chronic disease use considerably more health care resources; experience compromised quality of life; poor health outcomes; and, are at risk of further decline compared to individuals who do not have a chronic disease. They also may be faced with other challenges related to poverty, social exclusion and poor mental health. Additional research is required to understand this highly complex population and how best to serve them.
Bridgepoint's Role
Bridgepoint Health has an important role to play in health research generally, but quite specifically as it relates to complex chronic disease prevention and management. Research has traditionally focused on specific diseases, such as diabetes or stroke, with little attention having been paid to people who are experiencing many health issues at the same time.
Very little evidence exists on how best to treat and manage patients with multiple, life-long illnesses. And, even when there is evidence, it is often not used effectively to prevent illness and improve care. The complexity and range of health challenges that Bridgepoint patients experience give us a unique opportunity to examine the inter-relationships between diseases and find a better way forward. It is for this reason that we established the Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation.