A 60-year-old patient who has cervical cancer (long-term condition). She is also having plural drain due to pleural effusion making her needs complex and requires case management.
o This should include a brief synopsis of the patient and care setting as well as any support networks that the patient may have. Include a brief section on the long-term condition that the patient is living with. Please include a section outlining the prevalence of the disease within the wider society, as well as statistical evidence of the patterns and trends of the chosen disease
• Main body of case study: (1600 words)
o Critical analysis of the following should be included:
• An in-depth critical analysis of the role of the District Nurse when managing complex health needs in the community.
• An in-depth critical analysis of the impact of living with complex health needs on the patient, their families, and their carers
• An evaluation of relevant policies, and evidence that informs best practice (literature specific to the chosen topic), when managing complex health needs in the community.
• A critical examination of the promotion of self-management techniques. In addition, an exploration of the importance of empowerment within the management of complex health needs should be addressed (e.g. What self-management, health promotion or educational strategies were used in your clinical practice, and what was the impact on the individual?).
• An evaluation of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working in relation to managing complex health needs. (What teams were involved in your case study? At what point? What was the impact of their involvement upon the health outcomes of the individual?).
• Conclusion: (100 words)
Draw the findings together and make clear and realistic recommendations for future District Nurse practice.
Full Answer Section
The patient's care setting will likely involve a range of services, including the district nurse, GP, hospital specialists, and social care. It is important for the district nurse to work closely with these other professionals to ensure that the patient receives holistic and coordinated care.
Support networks
The patient may have a range of support networks in place, including family, friends, and community groups. It is important for the district nurse to identify and assess these support networks and to provide support and guidance to the patient and her carers.
Long-term condition: Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cervix, which is the neck of the womb. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. In the UK, around 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.
The main risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Other risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, having multiple sexual partners, and having a weakened immune system.
Cervical cancer can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health.
Prevalence and patterns of cervical cancer
In the UK, the prevalence of cervical cancer is around 30 per 100,000 women. The incidence of cervical cancer has been decreasing in recent years due to the introduction of the HPV vaccine. However, cervical cancer remains a significant public health problem.
Critical analysis of the role of the District Nurse when managing complex health needs in the community
The district nurse plays a vital role in managing complex health needs in the community. District nurses are skilled in providing a wide range of nursing care, including physical assessment, symptom management, and wound care. They also play an important role in educating patients and their carers, and in coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
When managing complex health needs in the community, district nurses need to be able to:
- Assess the patient's needs and develop a holistic care plan.
- Provide physical and emotional support to the patient and their carers.
- Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
- Educate the patient and their carers about the condition and its management.
- Promote self-management and empowerment.
Impact of living with complex health needs
Living with complex health needs can have a significant impact on the patient, their families, and their carers. Patients may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, which can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities and to maintain social relationships. They may also face financial challenges, such as the cost of medication and travel to appointments.
Families and carers of patients with complex health needs often play a vital role in supporting the patient and managing their care. This can be a demanding and challenging role, and carers may need support and guidance from healthcare professionals.
Relevant policies and evidence
There are a number of policies and pieces of evidence that inform best practice when managing complex health needs in the community. These include:
- The NHS Long Term Plan, which sets out a vision for a more integrated and person-centred approach to healthcare.
- The NHS Five Year Forward View, which highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working.
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on complex needs, which provide evidence-based guidance on the management of a range of complex conditions.
Self-management techniques and empowerment
Self-management techniques are skills and strategies that people can use to manage their own health and well-being. These techniques can include things like setting goals, monitoring symptoms, and taking medications.
Empowerment is the process of giving people the skills and confidence to make decisions about their own health and care. This can be done by providing patients with information and support, and by helping them to develop self-management skills.
There is a growing body of evidence that shows that self-management and empowerment can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of people with complex health needs. For example, a study by NICE found that self-management programs can help to reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life for people with chronic
Sample Answer
Synopsis of the patient and care setting
A 60-year-old patient with cervical cancer and pleural effusion is a complex case that requires careful management. The patient is likely to be experiencing a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and anxiety. She may also be facing practical challenges, such as managing her care at home and coordinating appointments with multiple healthcare professionals.