Chronic diseases, while not immediately life-threatening, are the most common and leading cause of premature mortality. People who experieince a chronic disease need timely access to appropriate diagnosis with rapid referral to chronic disease rehabilitation services. These services assist people with a chronic disease to achieve optimal physical and psychological function, to self manage their disease and to be active partners with their medical team in decisions about their health care. The key principles of chronic disease rehabilitation are early and accurate diagnosis as well as education and rehabilitation. Successful rehabilitation services have five key elements:
