Care of patients with chronic disease: the challenge for general practice.

General practice can provide good quality care for a range of high-prevalence chronic diseases, at the same time providing continuity of care and management of comorbidity. Although the quality of care for patients with chronic disease is improving in general practice, about half of patient care does not meet optimal standards. Factors contributing to the gap between optimal and current practice include the method of financing, the availability of other disciplines to participate in team care, limited engagement with self-management education, and lack of information and decision support systems. National initiatives and incentives have enhanced planned and systematic care in general practice, and some programs have been introduced to improve access to allied health care. The number and complexity of programs, and lack of integration between them are a significant administrative burden for general practice, and the financial incentives are small compared to overseas programs. A better integrated and more comprehensive strategy is required to achieve widespread and sustained improvements in the quality of care for people with chronic disease in general practice.