ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1 the guiding strategic and theoretical frameworks and policies relating to the care of individuals with LTCs were introduced. The aim of this chapter is to discuss in further detail the principles behind case management and disease-specific care management. Existing nursing roles, such as district nursing
The current policy emphasis is on moving patients out of acute care settings and providing care in the community. For patients with long-term conditions (LTCs) it has long been accepted that care should be provided in the primary care/community setting with a firm emphasis on self-care. People with LTCs use disproportionately more primary and secondary care services (DoH 2008b), a pattern that is set to increase with an ageing population. The role of the district nurse is currently under scrutiny with many areas adopting the community matron who manages a case load and works closely with patients to prevent unnecessary hospital admission. This chapter will explore the principles behind case management and disease-specific care management including new and existing nursing roles and the importance of multi-disciplinary team involvement.
