In review: long-term care

Our featured book titled 'Managing Long-term Conditions and Chronic Illness in Primary Care' is a guide to care for people with long-term conditions.

Featured book 

Managing Long-term Conditions and Chronic Illness in Primary Care: A guide to good practice (2nd Edition) Judith Carrier, ISBN:  9780415657167; 9780415657174 

About 15 million people in England have a long-term condition, according to an analysis produced by the King’s Fund. The care of those people with long-term conditions is estimated to amount to 70 per cent of the total health and social care expenditure in the UK, costing about £7 in every £10 spent. More information can be found here in the King’s Fund analysis
 
Effective management is therefore an essential part of modern healthcare policy and practice.  An evidence-based approach to care, ensuring we place the patient at the heart of all decision-making processes, will reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for those with one or more long-term conditions.
 
Having the right workforce, at the right time and right place, is also essential to ensure that those with long-term conditions receive the right treatment, and are empowered to take control of their conditions. 
 
In this updated edition, the author addresses this need, by highlighting the key barriers and issues in this patient population and setting. She provides a practical approach for healthcare professionals to incorporate into their practice.
 
Importantly, the text includes background context and policy, which goes on to guide the practical management of the patient. It is so important that we do not forget to be inquisitive, critical and proactive when reading, consulting, or developing policy.
 
As it should, the text encourages and motivates clinicians to engage with, and help shape, policy as it develops. 

In this edition, the following key topics are covered

  • the physical and psychosocial impact of long-term conditions
  • effective case management 
  • self-management and the expert patient 
  • behavioural change strategies and motivational counselling 
  • nutritional and medication management 
In an innovative move, the author has also chosen to include case studies, allowing the reader to link the practice guidance back to their own clinical settings. This also makes it suitable for those just starting out on their careers, as well as more experienced clinicians.  
 
This book is clearly written, reflective, and to the point.  An interesting read for all healthcare professionals.
 
  • Stuart Palma is project manager, CSP’s Physiotherapy Works 
The items appearing on this page are not endorsed by the CSP.
 
Author
Stuart Palma, Project manager, CSP’s Physiotherapy Works

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