Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC) means that a person is living with two or more chronic conditions at the same time. Currently, 1 out of 3 adult Americans have MCCs and for persons 65 and older 4 out of 5 Medicare Beneficiaries and a growing number of children have MCCs. This is the largest patient population and users of healthcare resources accounting for 64% of all clinician visits, 70% of all inpatient stays, 83% of all prescriptions, 71% of all healthcare spending, and 93% of Medicare spending.
Palliative care is symptom management in persons with multiple chronic conditions. The focus is on quality of life and not death. Palliative care should be integrated into the routine management of symptomatic chronic conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease and others. The effective management of symptoms prevents disease exacerbation, reduces hospitalization, maintains physical functioning, and improves quality of life.
Palliative care is a team-based approach of healthcare professionals who provide interdisciplinary care to meet the complex care needs of patients living with limited-life threatening conditions.
Managing symptomatic multiple chronic conditions, prevents escalation and worsening of the underlying conditions. Proactive interventions to reduce the burden of symptoms such as pain, depression, insomnia, shortness of breath and others improves quality of life and promotes the ability to engage in meaningful and important activities.
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