Clinicians find the OwnHealth programme has a positive impact on
the way their patients manage their long term condition and on
service utilisation
General Practitioner
It makes a huge difference in the quality of consultations. The
patient is getting far more out of it because they are better
informed having discussed issues with their Care Manager before.
Also I feel there was a tail off in the number of consultations by
the patient because they were better informed and the disease
process was better understood"
Care Managers
Namarta joined the OwnHealth programme in January 2007
after having formerly worked as a CHD Asian Link Nurse for more
than 4 years.
I loved and thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Care Manager because
it took a holistic approach and wasn't disease focused. Some of my
patients had multiple pathologies such as diabetes, COPD and
cardiovascular diseases, and I was able to offer them advice and
support on everything from diet and fitness, to the management of
their symptoms or smoking cessation, and often, they just needed
someone to talk to.
The role appealed to me because it provided an innovative way of
nursing but still offered patients many of the old fashioned
nursing care values, and as well as furthering my skill set and
experience, it allowed me to really get to know, and help my
patients. My working hours were as flexible as possible so I could
call my patients at times that were convenient for them and their
families
Namarta worked from 9am-5pm four days a week and 12pm-8pm once a
week.
I had a diary to help co-ordinate my day which I checked each
morning, so I could plan each case call in advance, ensuring I had
all the necessary information at hand.
Namarta called 10-12 patients per day.
My role was rewarding because, over time, I could see the
benefits OwnHealth provided and was able to give patients
personalised healthcare in the comfort of their own home; an
environment where they felt at ease and could take in more
information."