Practitioners

General Practitioners (GPs)

  • Primary contact for patients with chronic physiological conditions, providing initial diagnosis and referral to specialists.
  • Responsible for ongoing management of the patient’s condition, which may include regularly reviewing and adjusting medication.
  • Often play a coordinative role, liaising with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Specialist Clinicians

  • These are healthcare professionals who specialise in a specific field, such as cardiology or endocrinology.
  • Provide expert advice and treatment, especially for more complex, severe or rare long-term physiological conditions.
  • May also conduct procedures or surgery, if necessary for the patient’s condition.

Nurses

  • Play a vital role in the delivery of day-to-day care. Nurses often have the most contact with patients, administering medication, monitoring vitals, and offering comfort and reassurance.
  • Can specialise in certain areas, such as diabetic nursing or respiratory nursing, to provide condition-specific care.
  • Often act as a key communication link between the GP, the specialist, the patient, and the patient’s family.

Physiotherapists

  • Assist patients in improving mobility and managing pain through exercises and other therapies.
  • Important for conditions which affect movement or where movement can improve outcomes, like arthritis or after a stroke.
  • Educate patients about their condition and how to manage it to promote independence.

Occupational Therapists

  • Help patients with physical or cognitive impairments to carry out everyday tasks. This can involve recommending equipment or adaptations at home or work.
  • Prioritise functional and practical skills, supporting patients to live independently and have a good quality of life.

Social Workers

  • Provide support beyond healthcare, such as advice about finance, housing or legal issues which relate to the patient’s condition.
  • Advocate for the rights and needs of patients, liaising with other agencies or services when needed.
  • Can also provide emotional support and counselling to help patients cope with the social and psychological impact of their condition.

Dietitians

  • Provide tailored nutrition advice, which can be integral to managing conditions like diabetes or coeliac disease.
  • Promote healthy eating habits and provide education about the impact of diet on the patient’s condition.

Pharmacists

  • Experts in medication, they can advise on the proper usage, storage, and potential side effects of prescribed drugs.
  • Often involved in monitoring response to medication, especially if polypharmacy (multiple medications) is involved.

Remember, in every care scenario, these practitioners must work together in a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care that meets all of the patient’s health and social needs.