Characterising Acute and Chronic Care Needs: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Date
Authors
Zuniga, YMH
Zumla, A
Zuhlke, LJ
Zoladl, M
Ziaeian, B
Zhong, C
Zhao, XJG
Zhang, ZJ
Zhang, J
Zepro, NB
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract
Chronic care manages long-term, progressive conditions, while acute care addresses short-term conditions. Chronic conditions increasingly strain health systems, which are often unprepared for these demands. This study examines the burden of conditions requiring acute versus chronic care, including sequelae. Conditions and sequelae from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 were classified into acute or chronic care categories. Data were analysed by age, sex, and socio-demographic index, presenting total numbers and contributions to burden metrics such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years Lived with Disability (YLD), and Years of Life Lost (YLL). Approximately 68% of DALYs were attributed to chronic care, while 27% were due to acute care. Chronic care needs increased with age, representing 86% of YLDs and 71% of YLLs, and accounting for 93% of YLDs from sequelae. These findings highlight that chronic care needs far exceed acute care needs globally, necessitating health systems to adapt accordingly.Description
Keywords
GBD 2019 Acute and Chronic Care Collaborators, 4203 Health Services and Systems, 42 Health Sciences, Burden of Illness, 7.1 Individual care needs, 3 Good Health and Well Being
Source
Nature Communications, ISSN: 2041-1723 (Print); 2041-1723 (Online), Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 16(1), 4235-4235. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-56910-x
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