Introduction
The III Spanish Conference on Chronic Care will take place in San Sebastian on 19-20 May 2011, under the title “Building capacity for progress: the role of clinicians”, organised by the Department of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government, the Basque Health Service (Osakidetza), and the Basque Institute for Healthcare Innovation (O+Berri).
As in previous editions, this conference will be an opportunity to share, learn and debate about innovative approaches and initiatives in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Its special focus will be on the organisation of the health system and the way health services are being delivered, as well as on the interaction between the health professionals, the patient and the carer/s.
The different presentations, round tables and communications will deal with different topics related to chronic care, such as integration and continuity of care, self-management, health promotion and prevention of chronic illnesses, the use of e-health, social networks and ICT systems, new professional roles and skills related to care for chronic patients, local and regional policies and strategies on chronicity etc…
The ideas and initiatives being disseminated will be of interest to other regions and countries in the world facing similar epidemiological patterns and challenges related to the management of chronic diseases. Speakers include some of the more renowned experts in the area and seven international speakers from United States, Sweden, Canada, China, and United Kingdom, with Thomas Bodenheimer (University of California), Geraint Lewis (Nuffield Trust), and Alex Jadad (Centre for Global eHealth Innovation) among them.
