Long term conditions
Download (PDF 6.1 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham, Healthwatch City of London, Healthwatch Hackney, Healthwatch Havering, Healthwatch Redbridge, Healthwatch Tower Hamlets and Healthwatch Waltham Forest undertook a survey of people with long term conditions. 234 people took part.
People with a wide variety of long term conditions took part. The three most common long term conditions were mobility impairments, mental health and breathing problems.
A wide variety of health professionals helped them manage their condition. The most commonly cited were their GP, hospital consultant and GP practice nurse. Over two in five would contact their GP for urgent care. The report looks at the overall situation and situations for people with different health conditions.
Patients with mental health issues, those who were autistic or disabled (especially for learning difficulties), patients who were of Black or Asian ethnicities, carers and those who were unemployed lagged behind in confidence in managing their own condition.
Patients with renal issues, respiratory issues or diabetes were the most likely to have a care plan. Patients with musculoskeletal, neurological or mental health issues were the least likely to have a care plan. Over a quarter felt that their care plan fully met their needs.
People with heart or vascular issues, respiratory issues, renal issues, men, people of White ethnicity and people in full time work were most satisfied with their care plan. People with neurological issues, mental health issues, LGBTQ+, mobility impaired, people of Asian ethnicities or unemployed were least satisfied with their care plan.
Support for independent living, in the form of personal care, help with housework, home adaptations, mobility aids and technology, was the main thing patients with chronic conditions did not have and wished they had.
Most respondents would be interested in having online appointments rather than in person at least some of the time, but in person appointment provision remains important.
Most respondents would be interested in having group sessions with other patients with similar conditions led by a GP or practice nurse; but they are not for everyone.