Caring for the chronically ill through disease management programmes
SWICA offers structured care programmes to individuals with chronic illnesses through selected doctors and health centres. The aim is to make patients the prime focus of care and offer them the best quality of life and greatest possible self-determination.
A quarter of the Swiss population suffers from some form of non-communicable disease (NCD). These conditions include cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, respiratory tract illnesses such as COPD, diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders. SWICA, in accordance with the national NCD strategy, is backing prevention programmes for the chronically ill (i.e. disease management programmes) so that you can live a full life in spite of your condition.
Disease management programmes include medical care, personal support and a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. The key factor is that you, as the person affected, have an active role in the treatment team. You receive in-depth advice on issues such as nutrition, exercise and all-round wellbeing.
Disease management programmes include medical care, personal support and a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. The key factor is that you, as the person affected, have an active role in the treatment team. You receive in-depth advice on issues such as nutrition, exercise and all-round wellbeing.
Your doctor is the first point of contact. Depending on the programme, your doctor will call on the expertise of therapists and specialist physicians to deliver professional care with the minimum of stress. A specially trained medical practice nurse will also be responsible for delivering some of the treatment. She will take care in particular of personal support, advice and knowledge transfer relating to your illness.
It has been shown that lifestyle changes (e.g. changing one's diet or taking exercise) can have a positive impact on how an illness develops and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. Participation in the programme is voluntary. The treatment costs will be covered by SWICA in accordance with the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG).
It has been shown that lifestyle changes (e.g. changing one's diet or taking exercise) can have a positive impact on how an illness develops and can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. Participation in the programme is voluntary. The treatment costs will be covered by SWICA in accordance with the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG).
Questions about disease management programmes
For diabetes sufferer Carmen Götschi, simply eating what she likes has been an impossibility for almost 20 years. And even though she sticks to her nutrition and exercise programme, things don’t always run according to plan. However, thanks to the disease management programme she receives targeted assistance.What our partners have to say
«We encourage our customers to stay healthy with regularly published lists of courses and training opportunities, because that's where integrated care starts for our doctors’ network.»
«The patient is the focus of attention and plays an active role in the treatment team. We work together to achieve high treatment quality and patient satisfaction.»
«Our job is to give patients the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy a high quality of life on a day-to-day basis.»
«Keeping active despite a chronic illness often requires an effort of will. But exercising regularly leads to a better quality of life, which means you get more out of life in general.»
