Working smarter will help patients breathe easier

Abstract

8 British Journal of Healthcare Management 2016 Vol 22 No 1 © 2 01 6 M A H ea lth ca re L td These services are sharing expertise and skills behind a common aim—to support patients, their families and carers and their communities better. Most management of chronic lung disease is in the community—and lung specialists must continue to spread their knowledge and expertise beyond the hospital gates. Ever since I became a consultant, the NHS has talked ‘a good game’ about the issue of integration—but Simon Stevens’ recent Five Year Forward View has really put the issue centre stage—to help shape the NHS of the future. It is not an option to stay as we are—if we did, the NHS would become completely overwhelmed by increasing numbers of older people with long-term conditions. So with limited NHS budgets it is vital that we find new ways of working that break down old barriers between hospital and community services. Two pieces of research presented at the society’s meeting really stood out in showcasing the health and economic benefits of integrated care.