The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme in Irish general practice: patient and provider views

Ireland’s Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme recently scaled rapidly to strengthen delivery of structured chronic disease care within general practice. Currently, there is limited national data on patient and provider experiences within the CDM programme. This study examined healthcare provider and patient views of the CDM programme. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses and patients. Providers completed an online questionnaire assessing overall impressions, condition-specific improvements, perceived effects on quality of care, and healthcare reliance. Patients attending CDM reviews in eight practices completed anonymous paper surveys evaluating experience, perceived impact on health, understanding, self-management confidence, and hospital attendance. Data were analysed descriptively and free-text responses underwent rapid content analysis. In total, 110 patient and 217 provider responses were analysed. Overall, 97% of patients reported a positive impression, with benefits in self-management and understanding of their condition. Among providers, 93% of GPs and 81% of nurses reported a positive impression, with particular improved quality in type 2 diabetes management. Key barriers included staffing shortages, workload pressures, and IT challenges. Among respondents, the CDM programme was highly valued and perceived to improve chronic disease care and patient self-management. Addressing capacity and system constraints will be important for long-term sustainability.