We have collected all of the best content we know of — including change concepts, measures, resources, improvement stories, and downloadable tools — to help you improve the care of people with chronic conditions in your organization. But, you may ask, "Where should I begin?"

Try starting here:

• The Chronic Care Model identifies six fundamental areas that form a system that encourages high-quality chronic disease management. Organizations must focus on these six areas, as well as develop productive interactions between patients who take an active part in their care and providers who have the necessary resources and expertise.
  
  
• To assess your organization's current levels of care with respect to the six components of the Chronic Care Model, use the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care Survey.
  
  
• For some quick tips on Forming a Team, Setting Aims, Establishing Measures, and Testing Changes, take a look at the How to Improve page. Try using the "Stoplight" Tool to assist diabetes patients with monitoring and managing their chronic condition by dividing various signs and symptoms into "green," "yellow," and "red" management zones.
  
  
• Get answers to your most frequently asked questions in our FAQs section.
  
  
• Read how a community health center made changes in the six areas of the Chronic Care Model to improve care for their patients with diabetes.

• Resources for public health leaders and staff have been assembled from IHI’s work in health care quality improvement to help bring quality improvement to public health programs and organizations.

Learn more about the changes that focus on the six components of the Chronic Care Model and can be applied to a variety of chronic illnesses, health care settings, and target populations.

*The Chronic Care Model was developed by Ed Wagner, MD, MPH, Director of the MacColl Institute for Healthcare Innovation, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, and colleagues of the Improving Chronic Illness Care program with support from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

[Wagner EH. Chronic disease management: What will it take to improve care for chronic illness? Effective Clinical Practice. 1998;1(1):2-4.]