Chronic Illness in the United States. Volume II: Care of the Long-Term Patient

Abstract

This is the second volume in a series of four reports by the Commission on Chronic Illness. The Commission is sponsored by the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and the American Public Welfare Association. Thirty-nine other national organizations in the health field participated in the 1954 conference, the conclusions of which are the basis for the observations and recommendations appearing in this volume. The book's eight chapters deal with the long-term patient, the patient at home, rehabilitation at home and in institutions, the patient in an institution, personnel and education, coordination and integration, research for planning and administration, and financing. Seven appendixes deal with special phases of the general subject. The "long-term patient" needs definition. Not all who are afflicted with chronic disease need constant or regular medical care. As defined by the Commission, a long-term patient is one suffering from chronic disease