Long Term Conditions
Information for patients about Long Term Conditions
Long Term Conditions (LTC) are health conditions that can impact on a person’s life, and may require ongoing care and support.
We work with our patients to help them better manage chronic conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- CHD Coronary Heart Disease
- COPD Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Stroke/TIA
Scroll down for information about the Long Term Condition management services we offer.
BP@Home - monitoring your blood pressure with the Viso app
The Cranborne Practice offers the opportunity for patients with hypertension to monitor their blood pressure at home and share their blood pressure readings directly back to their GP from home using the Viso app.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
In line with NHS England recommendations, NHS Dorset is working in partnership with Omron Healthcare to implement blood pressure (BP) monitoring at home using the Viso app.
BP@Home - monitoring your blood pressure with the Viso app
Monitoring blood pressure remotely through Viso has multiple benefits. From the patient perspective, it will not be necessary to book an appointment and attend the surgery for a blood pressure check.
It enables healthcare professionals to keep track of a person’s health, provide them with the information needed to look after their health and help them access the right treatment when required.
In addition, taking measurements in the comfort of one’s own home can better reflect blood pressure, as being tested in a medical environment can make some people feel anxious, affecting results.
Why do I need to monitor my blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
High blood pressure affects more than 1 in 3 adults in England; around 50% of all heart attack and strokes are associated with high BP and it is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease, heart failure and dementia.
Download and view a patient guide to monitoring and managing your Blood Pressure at Home>>
What happens if I don't stay on top of my high blood pressure?
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of some serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:
- heart disease
- heart attacks
- strokes
- heart failure
- peripheral arterial disease
- aortic aneurysms
- kidney disease
- vascular dementia
Prevention is key: If you have high blood pressure, reducing it even a small amount can help lower your risk of these health conditions.
How does the service work?
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted by us with an invitation to register with the Viso programme.
Invites will typically be sent via SMS text message, requesting the patient to accept or decline the invitation.
People who agree to participate will receive details on how to register to use the service.
Or, patients registered with us can submit a request to self register.
Follow this link to submit your request to self register>>
What if I don't have a Home Monitor?
If you don’t already have a suitable BP monitor, ask us how you can borrow one from us free of charge. And should anyone need guidance and support to use the app to provide their BP readings, our Digital Care Coordinator is available to help.
Once you submit BP readings, our healthcare professionals can view these and advise any changes required to your treatment.
Advice for taking your own blood pressure
When taking your blood pressure readings, it is important to be relaxed, so avoid taking your blood pressure when stressed, in pain or in a hurry.
For advice about taking your blood pressure readings at home, visit our Advice Page here>>
For more information about Viso, please follow these links to the Omron Healthcare website>>
https://www.omron-healthcare.co.uk/viso.html
https://www.omron-healthcare.co.uk/viso-learn-more.html
Omron has also provided information on their programme support web page here>>
Asthma Review - Online Form
If you have been requested to do so, please follow this link to complete this online review form no later than 48 hours before your appointment.
Before your appointment, please watch a short video to learn how to use your inhaler properly and better manage your respiratory symptoms.
The NHS England A to Z
The NHS A - Z offers a lot of information about the following health conditions:
Long Term Condition Support Organisations
Below we offer links to some other useful third party websites where you can access further information and support for people with Long Term Conditions.
www.asthmaandlung.org.uk – information on lung conditions including asthma and COPD
www.bhf.org.uk – information on heart disease. hypertension and strokes
www.cancerresearchuk.org - information on Cancer types and treatments
www.diabetes.org.uk – advice and support on diabetes and self-management courses
www.macmillan.org.uk – cancer information
www.dorsetmind.uk – mental health support and advice
www.versusarthritis.org – arthritis information
