Care for people with long term conditions (LTCs) forms a significant part of the health and social care system. There are over 15 million people living with a long term condition in England. This includes both physical and mental health conditions such as arthritis, asthma, COPD, depression, dementia, diabetes and many more. These are conditions which cannot at present be cured but can be managed or improved through person-centred approaches that deliver the right care for that individual no matter what their condition(s) to ensure that they are involved in managing their condition (s), receive the care they need to live and die well, and that both they and their carers feel supported to maintain a good quality of life.

Support might relate to learning new skills, changes in behaviour, access to community support, as well as medication and traditional treatment or therapies (NHS UK, 2015).

 

Evidence shows that personalised care and support planning can lead to the most appropriate use of limited healthcare resources. People who are engaged in their health and care are more likely to receive care and treatment that is appropriate to them; to take up appropriate prevention services (such as regular screening); and to adopt more healthy behaviour. By sustaining successful self-management, and by anticipating and making explicit provision for possible crises and emergencies,

personalised care and support planning may also help to reduce the use of urgent and emergency care (NHS UK, 2015).