Assessing Chronic Disease Management Strategies Through Community Based Participatory Research

Abstract

Comprehensive chronic disease management (CDM) strategies aim to improve such aspects as continuity of care, health related quality of life and, overall population health. Here, consideration is made of how CDM may be enhanced through a more integrated and holistic health care system by incorporating a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach. This has the potential to provide meaningful participation by citizens in public health policy development. The CBPR may garner improved assessment of the effectiveness of existing CDM strategies, as imbedded in such practices as (regulated) complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), public health, and tranascultural health care initiatives, should not be overlooked.