Ellen Nolte Libri

One of the greatest challenges facing health systems in the 21st century is the need to address the growing burden of chronic diseases which are complex and require a long-term, multifaceted response.This book examines the health system response to this rising burden in eight Denmark, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia and Canada. It provides a detailed assessment of the current situation, a description of the policy framework and future scenarios, as well as evaluation and lessons learned.With many health systems still largely built around an acute, episodic model of care, health professionals, policy-makers and patient organizations can learn valuable lessons from the many different strategies being implemented, and begin to develop effective responses to this common challenge.

People have always travelled within Europe for work and leisure, although never before with the current intensity. Now, however, they are travelling for many other reasons, including the quest for key services such as health care. Whatever the reason for travelling, one question they ask is “If I fall ill, will the health care I receive be of a high standard?” This book examines, for the first time, the systems that have been put in place in all of the European Union’s 27 Member States. The picture it paints is mixed. Some have well developed systems, setting standards based on the best available evidence, monitoring the care provided, and taking action where it falls short. Others need to overcome significant obstacles.