Long Term Conditions
A Long Term Physical Health Condition (also known as a Chronic Condition) is a health problem that requires ongoing management over a period of years or decades. A Long Term Physical Health Condition is one that cannot currently be cured but can be controlled with the use of medication and/or other therapies.
Long-term conditions or chronic diseases include a wide range of health conditions including:
- Non-communicable diseases (e.g. cancer and cardiovascular disease);
- Communicable diseases (e.g. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS));
- Certain mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression) and
- Ongoing impairments in structure (e.g. blindness, joint disorders).
Examples of Long Term Physical Health Conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular (e.g. Hypertension, Angina)
- Chronic Respiratory (e.g. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD))
- Chronic Neurological (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis)
- Chronic Pain (e.g. Arthritis)
- Other Long Term Conditions (e.g. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Cancer) etc.
Useful Links
The PCN is providing a new workforce e.g. Social prescriber, clinical pharmacist, First Contact physiotherapist to support patients with their LTCs.