Comparison of Chronic Disease Management between NL and NS

Both provinces have similar Chronic Disease Management Clinics. NL has a self management program, “Improving Health: My Way”, for those living with chronic conditions. A six-session workshop is offered to learn how to effectively manage the symptoms associated with their chronic condition. NL also has travelling consultation clinics which is a great initiative. The Provincial Janeway Lifestyle Program created a new interdisciplinary health care network, “Be the Wave.” This community of practice network shares practical information and case-based learning to promote best practices for chronic disease prevention and management among children. The program team has set a target to enroll 100 health care providers in the network by March 2018. Once established, the program team will explore options to offer online learning to network members via multiparty Telehealth technology (The Way Forward. Chronic Disease Action Plan).

NS has a similar program called “Your Way to Wellness”. It is a free provincially based program. There is also a program offered to teens living with chronic disease. This is called “You’re in Charge”. This teaches the teens on how to manage their own health. A third program the province offers id the Chronic Pain Initiative. People that attend a Chronic Pain Clinic meet with the team and have access to a self-management program. All these programs can be found through the Department of Health under Primary Health Care.

Both provinces have a Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Framework. They both focus on the risk factors that can be modified for example smoking, physical activity and diet. It is interesting to see the differences between the provinces in regards to vision, mission and guiding principles.

NL

Vision - Newfoundland and Labrador will be a place where individuals at risk for or living with a chronic disease can achieve optimal health and well-being with the support of the community and the health care system.

Mission -To create a supportive, evidence-based, and coordinated system that meets the needs of individuals at risk for or living with a chronic disease.

Guiding Principles- Client-centered, Accessible, Evidence-based, Integrated, Accountable, Long-term and sustainable

NS

Vision- Reduction in the prevalence, incidence and associated burden of chronic disease among the population in Nova Scotia through a focus on primary prevention.

Goals- Reduced health disparities in Nova Scotia. Improved overall health outcomes for Nova Scotians.

Guiding Principles- Integration, Partnership and Shared Responsibility, Best/promising practices, Capacity.

Resources

Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. Retrieved from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/primaryhealthcare/chronic-disease-management.asp

Improving Health: My Way Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for Newfoundland andLabrador. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/chronicdisease/pdf/participant_brochure_improving_health_2015.pdf

Newfoundland and Labrador (2011). Improving health together. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/chronicdisease/Improving_Health_Together.pdf

Nova Scotia Chronic Disease Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/healthy-communities/documents/Nova-Scotia-Chronic-Disease-Prevention-Strategy.pdf