For 15 years, Ann Gillespie (not her real name) faced a daily battle to get out of bed at her Derry home as she struggled with the debilitating combined effects of osteoarthritis, diabetes and angina. Unable to cope with the symptoms, she was plunged into depression and relied on text messages to help her keep health appointments. Yet 12 weeks after enrolling in an innovative programme, she started a business training course and hopes to land an office job.
The transformation, which has amazed those who know her, is thanks to the tailored support offered through the Condition Management Programme (CMP). A national, though voluntary, scheme in Northern Ireland, it helps people with long-term conditions on the road back to employment.
Occupational therapists (OTs) lead a range of health professionals, from physiotherapists to nutritionists and mental health nurses, to help those on the programme. Support is aimed at helping people understand their condition and manage it better.
Initially introduced as a pilot in three areas in Northern Ireland in 2007, the CMP is part of the Department of Employment and Learning’s pathways to work initiative aimed at people on incapacity benefit. In 2008, it was rolled out across five health and social care trusts in the region, and is being hailed as a model for England and Wales. During the sessions, participants can receive tips and advice on anything from anxiety management to ways of improving their confidence.
Liz Doherty, team manager of the Western health and social care trust, says data shows around 57% of clients have mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, 30% suffer from back pain or other joint and musculoskeletal problems, and 10% have cardiac or respiratory conditions.
“We work in a holistic way. The emphasis is on guidance rather than hands-on support. After an initial phone interview and a 90-minute assessment, we look at all the factors that impact on their lives. We set collaborative goals and may encourage someone to keep a pain diary. We then look at their activities and give advice on how to pace themselves. We aim to help people become as independent as possible and give them strategies for managing fatigue.”
Trust statistics show how far the CMP has helped people manage their conditions and get back to work. Of 1,367 discharged from the programme, nearly 30% went into paid employment; another 25% went into education or training and 8% into voluntary work.
Doherty, 47, and an OT for 25 years, says: “There is a focus on what people can do and getting them to believe in themselves. The feedback has been extremely positive. Some people didn’t recognise Ann after she had been on the programme. Other people have said it has turned their life around. It is very rewarding to work on.”
Join the Social Care Network to read more pieces like this. Follow us on Twitter (@GdnSocialCare) and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest social care news and views.
