How to solve a chronic problem

Will a climate of austerity kickstart innovation in how the NHS manages and treats long-term diseases such as asthma and diabetes? Debbie Andalo reports on a recent roundtable debate on how to tackle this epidemic.

There are 15 million people living in the UK with a long-term disease, such as diabetes. Photograph: Jeffrey Hamilton/Getty

America's healthcare system could help show the UK the way as it grapples to cope with the growing "epidemic" of chronic disease, such as diabetes and obesity, at a time when NHS spending is being squeezed.

There is increasing evidence from the US that the model of group practice, where GPs and hospital consultants work under the same roof, can not only save money but also help extend the life expectancy of people with chronic conditions, in some cases by up to four years.

The suggestion was put forward at a recent roundtable discussion, featuring chief executives from medical associations, doctors and academics in the healthcare sector, which looked at what the UK and US could learn from each other in the management of chronic disease.

The debate, which was hosted by the Guardian and sponsored by Bupa, was held under the Chatham House rule, which allows comments to be reported without attribution to encourage frank discussion.

Read the full report by Debbie Andalo: http://www.guardianpublic.co.uk/bupa-roundtable-innovation-chronic-disease

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