Chronic disease: shifting the focus of healthcare in Canada.

The pressure on the Canadian healthcare system to deliver quality and cost-effective care is escalating at a time of an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The healthcare system's traditional focus on acute care falls short of meeting the needs of those suffering from chronic diseases, which represent a sizeable portion of the population. This article highlights the impending issues and explores how shifting the focus of healthcare can have a profound impact on meeting the needs of those suffering from chronic diseases in the province of Ontario.