How the Year of Care approach works
If you live with one or more long-term conditions and you usually have your reviews at your GP practice they may be using the Year of Care approach. This is sometimes called personalised care and support planning.
What’s different about it?
This approach aims to give you the opportunity to get more out of your annual review appointments by changing the way things are organised and giving you more information before you see your nurse or doctor. It allows you to talk about what really matters to you and is not just about tests and checks.
This means you should have the chance to discuss:
- What is important to you
- How you feel you are
- Your ideas about looking after your health and how to you stay well
How personalised care and support planning works
Personalised care and support planning usually takes place over two separate appointments.
This short clip shows how the process usually works.
First appointment – Gathering information
You will be asked to come to an appointment with a healthcare assistant who will carry out usual tests and checks. They will also ask you some general questions about your health.
Most practices try to include all the checks you need for all your long-term conditions at this visit, including blood tests, blood pressure, foot checks and any other tests you may need.
Following the appointment – Preparation letter sent
You will be sent a preparation letter. The first page includes some space for you to write things down and a list of topics. The practice will also send you your test results.
This will give you the chance to think about what you want to ask and talk about during your next appointment.
- You should bring this with you to your second appointment
- Have a look through this information and write down your questions, concerns and comments
- If you aren’t sure what the results mean, you will have the chance to ask at your second appointment
These Year of Care leaflets will help you understand the results and what you can do to change them.
Understanding your results – NHS health checks
Understanding your results – cardiovascular disease
Understanding your results – diabetes
Second appointment – Care and support planning
At this appointment with the doctor or nurse you will be able to ask questions and talk about what’s important to you. The doctor or nurse will look at your results and other issues and discuss options that might work for you. Once you both agree on one or two priorities, you will get the chance to work out a plan together and identify any support you might need to help look after your own health.