Which of the following is NOT an essential element of the Chronic Care Model?

• A. Self-Management Support
• B. Delivery System Design
• C. Decision Support
• D. Patient Education Programs for Staff

Answer: (D)

The question tests your understanding of the six essential components of the Chronic Care Model and which are considered core to transforming care. The model centers on creating a proactive, prepared care team and an informed, activated patient, supported by six interrelated elements: Self-Management Support, Delivery System Design, Decision Support, Clinical Information Systems, Community Resources and Policies, and Health System Organization. Self-Management Support helps patients build the skills to manage their condition; Delivery System Design reorganizes care into proactive, planned interactions; Decision Support embeds evidence-based guidelines into everyday practice; Clinical Information Systems track patient data and outcomes; Community Resources connect patients with outside services; and Health System Organization provides leadership and incentives to improve quality. The option about patient education programs for staff isn’t part of these six core elements, though staff training is beneficial in practice. Therefore, it is not an essential element of the Chronic Care Model.