Guidelines for writing case study:
Introduction - Introduce the reader to the case study. Define long term condition or a life shortening illness is. How many people in the UK and World experience this condition? Statistics relating directly to the LTC or LSI and NHS/disability (no more than 500 words).
Confidentiality statement - Explain that to comply with the NMC code of conduct names, location, age etc are anonymised.
Case study- Introduce the patient. What is their past medical history? What is their diagnosis and prognosis? Define the condition/illness. How long has this condition/illness affected the patient? Are they cared for at home or in hospital? Give details about who the family and/or carers (do they work, age, are they the parents, spouse, children).
Pathophysiology - Explain the pathophysiology of the disease and relate this to the patient you are discussing. Explain the symptoms.
Physical, Social and Psychological challenges - Explain the physical, social and Psychological challenges that the patient and carer experience (mobility stress, financial, depression etc) and the relevant research to improve this. This can be divided up into
1) Psychological impact of the illness/condition
2) Socioeconomic impact of the illness/condition
3) Physical impact of the illness/condition
Nb: you will need to relate the impact on the family/carers
Medical/Nursing Care (chronic or acute care) - Explain the care that your patient has experienced referring directly to Department of Health/NICE Guidelines and public health initiatives/drivers (National and international related to public health) related to the disease and relate to the patient. Are there any limitations of these guidelines related to the patient?
Integrated Care - Define Integrated care and how this has benefitted/hindered the patient's journey (experience). Incorporate a holistic view and critique what is happening in practice and discuss the Intergrated Care Pathway if this exists. Are there any differences from the ICP and practice and why? Think about all aspects of MDT and their input to care so that you are able to integrate the care of the patient in a more overall way. Refer to and critically analyse Government Strategies (Five Year Forward View, Wanless Report, House of care model for example) and research.
Health Promotion and Patient Empowerment Discuss the nurses role in health promotion in improving the wellbeing of the patient (eg Making Every Contact Count, NHS constitution (6 C's)) demonstrating an understanding of behaviour change (Transtheoretical Model or empowerment model). Other aspects that may be relevant to your patient are rehabilitation or end of life care. You will need to refer the NMC code in relation to the role of the nurse in Health promotion. Link to the patient in this case study.
Conclusion Summarise the findings in your essay and make recommendations for practice (no more than 500 words).