Final answer:
The number of patients with complex chronic diseases is increasing due to the aging population, changes in lifestyle leading to noncommunicable diseases, and healthcare system evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The increase in the number of patients with more complex needs associated with chronic diseases can be attributed to multiple factors, including the aging population, rising rates of lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases, and the evolution of healthcare systems.
Firstly, as the elderly population grows due to advances in medicine and healthcare, we see a correlated increase in chronic health conditions that require specialized care. The proportion of an aging society contributes significantly to the healthcare burden, particularly since older individuals are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions.
Secondly, there has been a shift in disease patterns from infectious to noninfectious diseases, with a noticeable increase in conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This shift is partly due to changes in lifestyle, including decreased physical activity and dietary habits influenced by the availability of fast and cheaper meals.
Furthermore, the consolidation of healthcare providers and the move towards mass production and efficiency in the healthcare system, sometimes referred to as hospital 'merger mania', has had a mixed impact on the quality of care, potentially affecting the management of complex patient needs.
Moving forward, it is likely that the demand for specialized care, particularly in geriatrics, will continue to surge, creating additional strain on the healthcare system. This trend emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive strategies to manage the rising tide of chronic illnesses, derived from adequately trained healthcare professionals and improved health education and preventive care strategies.