The Self-management Support Co-ordinators in the HSE have produced resources to support healthcare professionals working with people living with long-term health conditions.
Find resources to support people living with a long-term health condition
Directories of services and programmes for adults with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart conditions and stroke
These directories are a resource for healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals can signpost or refer adults with long-term health conditions to the programmes and services listed. The directories provide information on how to access these. Further directories are currently under development and once completed will be available online.
These directories were correct at the time of publication. Due to COVID-19 changes to the delivery of some services have occurred.
CHO1: Community Healthcare Area 1: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo
Sligo Leitrim Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart conditions and Stroke (PDF, 2.93 MB, 39 pages)
Cavan Monaghan Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke - March 2021 (PDF, 3.1 MB, 55 pages)
Donegal Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, size 1.9 MB, 38 pages)
CHO 2: Community Healthcare West, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon
Galway Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.62 MB, 83 pages)
Mayo Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.34 MB, 75 pages)
CHO 3: Mid West Community Healthcare
Clare Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 3 MB, 127 pages)
Limerick Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.86 MB, 124 pages)
North Tipperary Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.83 MB, 124 pages)
CHO 4: Cork Kerry Community Healthcare
Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.8 MB, 130 pages)
CHO 5: South East Community Healthcare
Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart conditions and Stroke (PDF, 6.7 MB, 65 pages)
CHO 6: Community Healthcare East: Dublin South East, Dun Laoghaire and Wicklow Community Healthcare
Directory of Services and Programmes for Adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.93 MB, 108 pages)
CHO 7: Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare
The directory is currently under review in DSKWW/CHO 7
Please contact Mary Rose Cunningham - Self-Management Coordinator for long term Health Conditions Phone: 087 4320202 Email:maryrose.cunningham@hse.ie
CHO 8: Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare
Laois Offaly Directory of Services and Programmes (PDF, 1.2 MB, 56 pages)
Louth Meath Directory of Services and Programmes (PDF, 1.1 MB, 56 pages)
CHO 9: Dublin North City and County Community Healthcare
Directory of services and programmes for adults with Asthma, COPD, Diabetes, Heart Conditions and Stroke (PDF, 1.88 MB, 67 pages)
Living Well - A Programme for Adults with Long-term Health Conditions
Living Well is a free HSE, 6 week group self-management programme for adults with long-term health conditions. It supports people to develop the confidence and skills which help them to live well with their long-term health condition.
Living Well is the brand name for the Republic of Ireland version of the Stanford Model Chronic Disease Self-Management programme, often referred to as CDSMP. Workshops are facilitated by 2 trained leaders, 1 or both of whom are living with a long-term health condition (peers). Unlike clinical education programmes, Living Well does not give clinical advice or information but instead focuses on developing and enhancing the self-management skills and confidence of those that complete the programme.
Read more about the Living Well programme, what is covered and how to register or refer
Resources and Education Programmes for Healthcare Professionals
Chronic Disease Management in General Practice
'Chronic Disease Management (CDM) in General Practice' is an eLearning course for all staff involved in delivering and supporting CDM through General Practice.
The programme was developed in collaboration with the HSE’s Professional Development Coordinators (PDC’s) for Practice Nursing, and the National GP and Nurse Clinical Leads on the following National Clinical programmes (NCPs); Asthma, COPD, Diabetes and Heart.
To complete the eLearning module go to HSeLanD and search for ‘Chronic Disease Management in General Practice’.
Asthma
Asthma Model of Care
HSeLandD Asthma e-learning programme
This eLearning programme provides healthcare professionals with a foundation for the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and monitoring of COPD and asthma. Participants will also learn about supporting patients in self-management through the use of asthma action plans, inhaler therapies and by adherence to medication.
This resource is aimed at healthcare professionals working with chronic respiratory disease including physiotherapists, nurses, general practice nurses and other HSCPs.
To complete the eLearning module go to HSeLanD and search for ‘Asthma’.
Asthma Society of Ireland
The Asthma Society of Ireland provides information and a range of resources and support services for people with asthma, their carers and their families. These resources, which can be found online, include:
- Asthma management resources such as Asthma Action plans and videos on Asthma Management and Inhaler techniques.
- Asthma EducationInclusion Project: Literacy-friendly asthma resources and materials for the Roma, Refugees, People Seeking International Protection and the Traveller community. You can access resources translated into Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Georgian, Pashto, Portuguese Iberian and Romanian.
- Poster on Asthma Inhalers and Devices: This aims to improve communication between asthma patients and their healthcare professionals Email reception@asthmasociety.ie for hard copies of print materials or for electronic copies of resources
- Refer your patients to the Asthma Society of Ireland Advice line 1800 44 54 64 or the WhatsApp nurse messaging service 086 059 0132 for further education and support from asthma nurse specialists.
- Resources for Health Care Professionals: Register as a member to get updates from the Asthma Society on latest news and developments, upcoming events and relevant updates to help in the management of asthma.
COPD
COPD Model of Care
HSeLandD COPD training programme
This eLearning programme provides healthcare professionals with a foundation for the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and monitoring of COPD and asthma. Participants will also learn about supporting patients in self-management through the use of COPD self-management plans, inhaler therapies and by adherence to medication.
This resource is primarily designed for all healthcare professionals working with chronic respiratory disease including physiotherapists, nurses, practice nurses and other HSCPs.
To complete the eLearning module go to HSeLanD and search for ‘COPD’.
Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - National Clinical Guidance
This National Clinical Guideline applies to the management of adults with COPD and is relevant to all healthcare professionals caring for people with this condition.
National Clinical Programme Respiratory
The National Clinical programme have developed a number of resources, which support healthcare professionals when working with people with COPD. They include resources for Pulmonary Rehabilitation, COPD Outreach and Oxygen clinics amongst others.
COPD resources
Video-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Education support Programme
The video-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation Education support programme consists of 14 videos that cover a range of topics including breathing exercises, oxygen therapy, nutrition and psychological supports for people to promoting self-management and coping skills for people living with a major chronic disease.
COPD Support Ireland:
COPD Support Ireland provides information and a range of resources and support services for people with COPD and their families
- Refer your patients to the COPD Advice Line: This is a Freephone service for people who want to learn more about COPD, or, who would like to discuss their COPD with a respiratory nurse. People can call the free COPD Adviceline on 1800 83 21 46 to book a free telephone consultation with a COPD nurse. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. This service is available to everyone with COPD, family members and carers of people with COPD as well as healthcare professionals who support people with COPD.
- COPD Videos: A series of educational videos created to support people living with and managing COPD. Some examples include Exercising with COPD, SingStrong – Singing for Lung Health in COPD and Managing COPD Exacerbations.
- Resources for Healthcare Professionals
- COPD Inhaler Poster
- Events: There is an annual education conference in November each year, which usually coincides with World COPD day
Type 2 Diabetes
The National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Diabetes have developed a number of resources to support the management of people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetic Foot Model of Care 2021
Diabetic Foot Screening
This eLearning module aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to complete a diabetic foot screening and risk categorisation. If foot screening is not part of your role, this course will provide the factors to consider when providing healthcare to people who have diabetes in terms of foot care. This course also provides standardised, evidence-based patient information on diabetic foot disease and risk status to enable patients to take care of their feet.
To complete the eLearning module go to HSeLanD and search for ‘Diabetic Foot Screening’.
The Nursing Management of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
'The Nursing Management of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes' is an eLearning module for nurses, but aims to support all clinicians in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes.
To complete the eLearning module go to HSeLanD.
Diagnosis and Management of uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes in Adults
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) developed and published ‘Diagnosis and Management of uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes in Adults (T2DM)’.
This guide for General Practice includes a section on diabetic foot screening and classification. This document can be accessed here.
Blood Glucose testing
The NCP for Diabetes has provided updated guidance on self-testing for people with type 2 diabetes. Research has indicated that blood glucose testing has a limited benefit for many patients who do not take insulin to manage their diabetes.
Read about blood sugar testing
Blood Glucose Test Strips
The HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) has identified preferred blood glucose test strips (BGTS) with associated meters for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Community Nutrition and Dietetic Care guidelines
This resource has been developed by a working group of integrated care programme (ICP) Community Dietitians for Diabetes in Primary Care. It will be updated by the group as new evidence emerges.
Diabetes Ireland
Diabetes Ireland provides information and a range of resources, education programmes and support services for people with diabetes and their families.
Sign up as a healthcare professional to receive communications about webinars and events such as the annual Diabetes Ireland Conference & Exhibition (DICE), the Pregnancy in diabetes Conference and the Paediatric Diabetes Conference.
Sign up to the monthly ezine to receive regular updates.
Heart Failure
As well as the resources for people living with Heart Failure the following are some key resources for health care professionals.
Heart Failure Model of Care 2021
Introduction to Heart Failure Module:
This hseland eLearning resource has been developed by the National Clinical programme to provide an introduction to Heart Failure for all nurses working in both the acute and community settings. It may also be of benefit to other health and social care professionals involved in the care of patients with heart failure.
Video on Heart Failure Signs, Symptoms and Living with Heart Failure by Dr Joe Gallagher for the Heart Failure Patients Alliance in conjunction with Croi and the Heartbeat Trust
Video on Heart Failure by Dr Ken McDonald Consultant Cardiologist for the Heart Failure Alliance in conjunction with Croi and the Heartbeat Trust
Managing Medication: Know Check Ask campaign for people working in healthcare
Healthcare professionals have an important role in helping to ensure medication safety and compliance. An important part of this is engaging with people and discussing their medicines with them.
- Know: about each of their medicines and encourage people on medication to keep an up-to-date list of their medicines and explain why it can be helpful. Suggest they keep a photo of the list.
- Check: they know how to use their medicines correctly
- Ask "Do you have your medicines list with you?" Refer to the person's list when discussing medication and in particular at transitions of care. If needed, take a copy of the list but return the original to the person.
- Ask the person if anyone helps them with them with their medicines at home and if they would like that person to be involved in discussion about their medicines.
- Ask: discuss the medicines with the person taking them and answer any questions they may have
- Consider how you could promote this campaign in your place of work.
More information on the Know Check Ask campaign for people working in healthcare can be found here
Home Exercise Videos for Adults Living with Long-Term Health Conditions
The HSE Healthy Eating Active Living Programme and Office of the National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Chronic Disease have collaborated with HSE physiotherapy colleagues to produce a series of 10-45 minute home exercise videos. These videos are suitable for people living with long term or chronic conditions who can exercise safely at home. They include a variety of 10-minute warm up, chair and gentle exercise videos. They also include longer full aerobic and resistance exercise videos. Further information and the videos themselves are available here.
Making Every Contact Count
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a behaviour change programme. During routine consultations, health professionals ask patients or service users about lifestyle behaviours related to chronic conditions. The goal of these 'contacts' is to address risk factors for chronic conditions and to help patients achieve positive long-term behaviour change.
MECC provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to carry out a brief intervention with patients.
The training course consists of 8 x 30-minute eLearning modules, which can be found on hseland:
- Introduction to Behaviour Change
- Tobacco Free
- Alcohol and Drug Use
- Get Ireland Active
- Healthy Food for Life
- Talking about Overweight & Obesity
- Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Skills into Practice
When you have completed the eLearning course you can enrol on the “Enhancing your Brief Intervention Skills Workshop" which you can attend in person or virtually.
Read more about Making Every Contact Count
Living well with a Chronic Condition: Framework for Self-Management Support
This framework provides an overview of the need for Self-management Support. It sets out how the HSE, working in partnership with key stakeholders, intends to implement Self-management support for four major chronic conditions; COPD, Asthma, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
The Framework provides:
National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Ireland 2020 to 2025
The National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease describes a continuum of health promotion, self-management support, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, disease management and rehabilitation services that are coordinated across different healthcare providers and healthcare settings. At the heart of this framework is the ‘Integrated Model of Care for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease’.
Read the National Framework for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease in Ireland 2020 to 2025
Health Technology Assessment of Chronic Disease Self Management Support Interventions
HIQA published a Health Technology Assessment of Chronic Disease Self-management Support Interventions in December 2015. This is available at www.hiqa.ie
HSE Self-management Support Coordinators for Long-term Health Conditions
There is a Self-management Support Co-ordinator in each of the 9 Community Healthcare organisations (CHOs) in the HSE.
The role of a Self-Management Support Co-ordinator is to support the awareness and development of services which increase the ability and confidence of people with long term health conditions to manage their health and to live well.
Contact information
CHO 1
Community Healthcare Area 1 - Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan
Contact: Maeve McKeon
Email: Maeve.McKeon@hse.ie
CHO 2
Community Healthcare West - Galway, Mayo and Roscommon
Contact: Ailish Houlihan
Email: Ailish.Houlihan@hse.ie
CHO 3
Mid West Community Healthcare - Limerick, Clare & North Tipperary
Contact: Ruth Reidy
Email: Ruth.reidy@hse.ie
CHO 4
Cork Kerry Community Healthcare - Cork and Kerry
Contact: Maeve Carmody
Email: Maeveh.Carmody@hse.ie
CHO 5
South East Community Healthcare - Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary
Contact: Rosaleen Mac Uistin
Email:Rosaleen.Macuistin@hse.ie
CHO 6
Community Healthcare East - Dublin South East, Dun Laoghaire, Wicklow
Contact: Mary Gowing
Email: Mary.Gowing@hse.ie
CHO 7
Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow Community Healthcare - Dublin West, Dublin South West, Dublin South Inner City, Kildare, West Wicklow
Contact: Mary Rose Cunningham
Email: MaryRose.Cunningham@hse.ie
CHO 8
Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare - Dublin West, Dublin South West, Dublin South Inner City, Kildare, West Wicklow
Contact: Ger Walsh
Email: GerA.Walsh@hse.ie
CHO 9
Dublin North City and County Community Healthcare - Dublin North City and County
Contact: Caroline Peppard
Email: Caroline.peppard@hse.ie
