What a wonderfully helpful book for anyone with any of the long term health conditions listed in this book. I have many of these conditions. It is done very simply and in a very simple easy language to understand. “TEAM” is mentioned which means “Together We Achieve More”, which is so true. They have included many illustrations to describe what each statement is about. I really found the “Motivational Interview” page great. I am a volunteer tutor for “Self Care Management Program” which teaches patients how to live and deal with long term health conditions. I work throughout the Walsall area, where this program is well received. This is another sign posting for people who are suffering with long term health conditions. This program is free and run by the NHS.
I am Dr Gayathri Dittakavi, GP working in Manchester. I have always been passionate about helping patients improve their health goals by educating about their medical conditions. After more than a year's hard work and commitment, I am pleased to say that I have bought my thoughts to life by producing a book " Living well with Long Term Conditions" This book is aimed at patients who have more than one Long Term Condition. It is written in a very simple language and presented in an easy to read format. It covers the most common longterm medical conditions seen by GP's, discusses lifestyle changes that can be made to improve their health, social care issues and legal aspect of medical care. In short it aids patients plan for the future care. The way I would look at this book to be used is- patient reads the book and then comes to their long term condition review, this helps them being prepared for the appointment. The consultation then can be used to clear their doubts and answer their questions. The outcomes when patient is involved in the decision making process produces greater results. The book helps in planting seeds about challenging and sensitive conversations like the end of life care, so when an opportunity arises it assists in uncomplicated discussions. There are also very useful and reliable weblink's for each topic. Family, friends, and carers can benefit from the content too when they are looking after their loved ones. I have had unbiased review the book, and some patients have contributed to the comments on the back cover page of the book.