A 21st century approach to chronic disease management in the United Kingdom: Implications for nurse education

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. An ageing population in prosperous countries has led to an increase in the number of people living with one or more chronic conditions; a trend which is predicted to worsen. Other ‘new’ epidemics such as obesity, combined with scarce economic resources, have provided impetus for a review of care provision for those living with chronic diseases in the UK. The new ‘National Health Service (NHS) and Social Care Long Term Conditions Model’ represents a cultural shift as patient and carer are scripted as central in managing their chronic disease, supported rather than directed by a health and social care team. The patient as a passive recipient of care is no longer viable in this approach to care delivery. It has been acknowledged that cultural shift within the NHS is required for these initiatives to be successful. Nurse educators have the potential to play a key role in supporting nurses to fully engage in the modernised chronic disease management initiative. This paper outlines the main features of the contemporary approach to chronic disease management, together with relevant UK policy changes. The implications of these changes for nurse education will be considered.