Long-term conditions

Our work on NHS care for people with chronic illness or disability

The pivot: changing our relationship with the health system

The nature of the health challenges we face today mean it is no longer appropriate to continue with our existing systems. We have to step outside the institutions and start in homes, communities and work places where health is created, says Hilary Cottam.

Co-ordinating care for high-cost, high-need patients

Chris Ham considers the care models for patients with complex needs presented at the Commonwealth Fund International Symposium, and argues that clinical teams need time and resources to effectively co-ordinate the care they provide.

Transforming primary care with population health: moving to an outcomes-based model

Improving diagnosis and treatment for atrial fibrillation

Around a million people in the UK suffer from atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat associated with coronary heart disease, which causes dizziness, tiredness and shortness of breath. Without appropriate treatment, people with atrial fibrillation are up to five times more likely to suffer strokes.

ESCAPE-pain programme for hip and knee pain

Many patients are diagnosed with osteoarthritis in early old age, when they are particularly vulnerable to rapid deterioration in health and loss of independence. The ESCAPE-pain programme includes a combination of education, self-management and coping advice with physical exercises.

Florence: telehealth for long-term conditions

Developed by Phil O’Connell, a chartered IT professional with a background in telecoms and financial services IT systems, Florence is a mobile phone app which can contribute to a dramatic improvement in quality of life for patients with long-term conditions.

2016 GSK IMPACT Awards: The Shakespeare Hospice

The Shakespeare Hospice is a Stratford-upon-Avon-based charity supporting adults and young people affected by life-limiting conditions.

Living with a long-term condition: the importance of psychological support

In a guest blog to coincide with the launch of our report on integrating physical and mental health care, Tessa Jelen writes about the importance of information and support, for both physical and mental wellbeing, for people diagnosed with a long-term condition.

Improving care for long-term conditions reading list

A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.

Dementia: a carer’s perspective

We speak to writer Nicci Gerrard about her father's hospital care, and her campaign – John's Campaign – that calls for the families and carers of people with dementia to be allowed to remain with them in hospital for as many hours of the day and night as necessary.

Jeremy Hunt: my priorities as the new Health Secretary

Jeremy Hunt's first speech as the newly reinstated Health Secretary in which he lays out his priorities for the new government: obesity and diabetes, general practice and the culture of the NHS.

2015 GSK IMPACT Awards: Neuromuscular Centre

Based in Cheshire, Neuromuscular Centre supports people affected by Muscular Dystrophy to maintain the best quality of life.

Caitlyn Dowson: Haywood rheumatology centre

Dr Caitlyn Dowson explains how Haywood rheumatology centre provides musculoskeletal care for patients, closer to home.

Partha Kar: Portsmouth and South East Hampshire diabetes service

Dr Partha Kar, clinical director of diabetes at Portsmouth and South East Hampshire diabetes service, explains how the care of a group of diabetes patients who were previously managed at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust has shifted to general practice.

Transforming primary care for frail older people with complex co-morbidities

Developing models of integrated care for chronic conditions

Angela Camber: developing models of integrated care for chronic conditions – a patient's perspective

Angela Camber, patient representative, British Heart Foundation Council, gives a personal account of her experiences of care and makes a plea for systems to be joined-up to empower patients and put them right at the centre.

Providing integrated care for older people with complex needs: Lessons from seven international case studies

This report synthesises evidence from seven integrated care case studies, and identifies lessons for policy-makers and service providers to help with the challenges ahead.

Improve management of multiple medicine use, warns report

Policy, medical training and clinical practice have failed to adapt to a significant increase in the number of patients taking multiple prescription drugs, according to a new report on polypharmacy and medicines optimisation, published by The King’s Fund.

Polypharmacy and medicines optimisation: Making it safe and sound

Our report looks at the occurrence of polypharmacy - the concurrent use of multiple medications by one individual - in primary and secondary care and in care homes, and offers recommendations for improving the current system.

Improving care for long-term conditions reading list

A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.

Community services: Our work on NHS care delivered in a community setting