[A version of this item appears in: Dementia: the Latest Evidence Newsletter (RWHT), Volume 3 Issue 2, September 2012].
Summary
Long-term physical conditions are often linked to adverse mental health and wellbeing. Long-term physical conditions may affect people’s mental health. Poor psychological wellbeing can impact on the effectiveness of treatment and / or patients’ ability to cope with long-term conditions. The Mental Health Network published a report in April 2012 which presents a business case for investing in psychological services.
NHS Confederation Briefing
This NHS Confederation briefing “Long term health gains: Investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for patients with long-term conditions”, summarises this report and describes how primary and secondary health services can reduce the overall costs of care for the NHS while improving patient outcomes.
“At least £1 in every £8 spent on long-term conditions is linked to poor mental health and wellbeing”. (p.2).
Reference
Long term health gains: investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for patients with long-term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms. London: NHS Confederation / Mental Health Network, April 2012. 7p. NHS Confederation Briefing No. 237.
The Mental Health Network Report
The Mental Health Network report, “Investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for patients with long-term conditions” is a guide to service design and productivity improvement for commissioners, clinicians and managers in primary care, secondary care and mental health. It collates the evidence and presents an economic analysis, while offering examples of service design and delivery. The aim is to re-design services, improve productivity and learn common lessons from across disease-specific groups.
Read more: Investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for patients with long-term conditions..
Reference
Investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for patients with long-term conditions and medically unexplained symptoms. London: NHS Confederation / Mental Health Network, April 2012. 78p.
