Chronic conditions and diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Europe, accounting for 86% of total premature deaths, and the burden is likely to grow.

The epidemiologic and economic analysis in this book suggests that policy-makers should make chronic disease a priority and focuses on the strategies and interventions to use: prevention and early detection; new provider qualifications and settings; disease management programes; and integrated care models, though evidence on their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness is still limited.

Institutional and organizational challenges are also explored and key policy recommendations are made in order to tackle them successfully.