1. THE HEALTHCARE SUPPORT WORKER
The role of the healthcare support worker is key to promoting and
empowering the patient and their family, as we play a valuable part
In championing our patients by taking the time to engage with them
to establish where the support can be offered, to help them understand
how to develop a healthier lifestyle. We can educate the patient and
and their family/carer to make proactive decisions in planning a self-
care strategy as part of their daily living. It’s the care taken by
individuals towards their own health and well being and this includes
the care extended to their family, friends and others involved in their
care (DH,2005). Community and primary care nurses play a huge role in
reducing the impact of chronic conditions on secondary care and care
homes and increasing self management and independence through
encouraging and facilitating the participation of those with chronic
conditions. , It is crucial that we holistically treat the person first not the illness.
THE PATIENT
To encourage and promote self care we can introduce the patient with
long term chronic conditions to The Expert Patient Programme. EEP provides free sell help courses for people living with chronic conditions to improve their quality of life. The course can offer techniques to help manage tiredness through relaxation, or emotional changes brought about by long term illness, also how to develop skills to deal with depression and frustration. It can also help them to communicate more effectively with friends, family and healthcare professionals ( EEP, 2007).
Within wales local health boards are offering individuals living with chronic conditions access to self management courses.
THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Are group of professionals from diverse disciplines who come
together to provide comprehensive assessment and consultation of
patients who need a care package to remain living independently at home,
while their function is primary to help the patient/family, they promote co-ordination
between agencies to ensure that the rights and interests of all parties concerned are addressed
(Community Care, 2010). In each locality there will be a team of professionals working together,
the G.P will continue to be the patients personal community based physician, not just to
diagnose and treat them but will work increasingly with other health care professionals
undertaking extended roles , pharmacists, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and
community nurses who will provide specialist services that use their full potential to ensure
that high quality primary care can develop, this would involve offering the right evidence based
information and support. The extended primary care team will be central to the delivery of chronic
disease management, in Wales there is need to improve the management of chronic disease which has
been recognised in the strategy Design For Life (WAG,2005).
Partnership working is based on the appreciation that no
one organisation can meet all the needs of all the people
who use it, as health care professionals we have a responsibility
to ensure our patients are provided with accurate, evidence
based care and information so ideas are developed on how
the best services can be delivered to the patient (DH,2004).
The Welsh Assembly government stated that getting services
right can help achieve policy aims across government which
are designed to improve health and the management of chronic
conditions in Wales (WAG, 2011).
References
THE UNPAID CARER
As healthcare support workers it is essential we recognise the key role of the unpaid carer and that we point that carer in the right direction involving them in the nursing assessment and decision process, making sure we meet their needs by setting goals, especially when they need information. It is vital that we are proactive in informing the person in charge of the service users care, this can lead to a positive outcome for a carer so they feel valued and supported (Victor,2009).Offering support with a carer’s assessment can be a valuable contribution towards giving the patient the
right to make their own decisions/choices to continue to live in their own home,
and reduce hospital admissions.
The carers strategy places a duty on the NHS and local authority in Wales to work
jointly to support carers in ways that matter to them most, offering guidance in
decision making about the provisions of services for them and the person they
care for (WAG, 2011).
Community Care (2010).[online] http;//
(accessed May, 2011).
Department of health (2004). Choosing health, making healthier choices.
Foundation Studies for Caring.
Department of Health (2005). Helping people understand the value of self care. British Journal of Community Nursing
Welsh Assembly Government (2005).Design for life: Creating world class health
and social care for Wales in 21st century. [online] http;//
( accessed May, 2011).
The Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company (2007) .
Self management of long-term conditions; A Handbook for People with Chronic Disease. USA
Welsh Assembly Government (2011). Health, social care and wellbeing
strategy guidance. http;//
(accessed May,2011)
Victor, E (2009). A systematic review of interventions for carers in the UK;
Outcomes and explanatory evidence . The princess Royal Trust For Carers