Background:
Chronic disease management has been implemented for some time in several countries totackle the increasing burden of chronic diseases. While Switzerland faces the same challenge,such initiatives have only emerged recently in this country. The aim of this study is to assesstheir feasibility, in terms of barriers, facilitators and incentives to participation.
Methods:
To meet our aim, we used qualitative methods involving the collection of opinions of varioushealthcare stakeholders, by means of 5 focus groups and 33 individual interviews. All thedata were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was then performed and fivelevels were determined to categorize the data: political, financial, organisational/ structural,professionals and patients.
Results:
Our results show that, at each level, stakeholders share common opinions towards thefeasibility of chronic disease management in Switzerland. They mainly mention barrierslinked to the federalist political organization as well as to financing such programs. They alsoenvision difficulties to motivate both patients and healthcare professionals to participate.Nevertheless, their favourable attitudes towards chronic disease management as well as thefact that they are convinced that Switzerland possesses all the resources (financial, structuraland human) to develop such programs constitute important facilitators. The implementationof quality and financial incentives could also foster the participation of the actors.
Conclusions:
Even if healthcare stakeholders do not have the same role and interest regarding chronicdiseases, they express similar opinions on the development of chronic disease management inSwitzerland. Their overall positive attitude shows that it could be further implemented ifpolitical, financial and organisational barriers are overcome and if incentives are found toface the scepticism and non-motivation of some stakeholders.