Verum writes

In January the Department of Health released new guidance designed to put patients in the driving seat. No - not more news about regular eye examinations for motorists, but guidance to help NHS and local authority commissioners ensure that people with long term medical conditions are more involved in decisions about their illness and treatment.

The document, Supporting People With Long Term Conditions Commissioning Personalised Care Planning, will help the government achieve its stated goal that by 2010 every one of the 15 million people with a long term condition will be offered a personalised care plan.

The guidance explains how NHS and social care services can provide personalised care and services for people with long term conditions. This includes promoting choice and control by putting the patient at the centre of the care planning process, sharing information with patients so they are involved in decisions, providing support for people to self manage their condition and integrating health and social care services.