We are changing the way we organise appointments and provide support for people with long-term conditions by putting in place a new way of working called the Health Review.
What is the Health Review?
We want to give you the opportunity to get more out of your annual review appointments by reorganising the way things happen and giving you more information before you see your nurse or doctor. It should help you talk about;
- what is important to you
- what you can do to look after your health and stay well
- what support you may need
Who is it for?
Anyone with a long-term condition (eg diabetes or COPD)
Why change things?
This way of working is being put into place in lots of surgeries across Scotland and is nearly always preferred by patients. It will help both you and the nurse or doctor make the best use of the time you have in your health planning review appointment. The main change is that after you have had your blood taken or other tests done with Pat or Donna, you will be sent the results before your review appointment. This gives you an opportunity to think through what questions you want to ask and identify your key concerns which you want to talk about.
How will it change?
If you don't need tests and checks for your condition you will be invited for the Health Review appointment only but you will receive some information beforehand to help you think about what is important to you and what you would like to discuss in your appointment. For other conditions like diabetes, if you have had tests and checks done at a first appointment, your results will be sent to you with an explanation of what they mean. There will be a space in the letter for you to make notes. This will give you the chance to think about what you would like to talk about. It would be helpful to bring this letter with you.
At your appointment you will be able to ask questions and talk about what is important to you and your doctor or nurse will raise any issues they are concerned about. Once you both agree on one or two main things to work on, you will be able to work out a plan and identify any support you need to help you look after your health.
Have a look at the links below for support for your condition.
