This is a patient case study which will explore the role of health and social services in the management of long term conditions. The author will consider the government policies and guidelines which relate to the management of long term conditions, discuss the roles of health and social care professionals involved in the care of the client, consider the perspective of the client and whether they are benefitting from person centred care and evaluate the concepts of disease management, self management and case management in how they relate to the chosen client. The author will also discuss the role of health promotion and education for clients with long term conditions.
It is estimated that there are approximately 15.4 million people in the United Kingdom who suffer from a long term neurological condition, with 1% of the United Kingdom population each year newly diagnosed with a neurological condition and over 1 million people disabled by their condition [Neurological Alliance, 2003.] Furthermore, long term conditions have a significant impact on the National Health Service accounting for 80% of consultations with general practitioners, 40% of outpatient activity and 80% of hospital inpatient bed days [Office of National Statistics, 2002.]
For the purpose of protecting anonymity and confidential information throughout this case study, the patient will be referred to as Anna to comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct [NMC, 2008.] Anna gave consent for her case to be used for this study. Anna is a fifty six year old female who suffers with the long term neurological condition multiple sclerosis. Anna was diagnosed with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis at the age of twenty eight.
Multiple sclerosis is known as the mysterious “crippler of young adults” and can have profound physical, social and psychological consequences for patients and their families [Robinson, 1988.] Before the mid 1970’s care for individuals with...