Summary
Patient was referred to the Active Health Project by her GP for support in making a plan and working towards increased physical activity.
Introduction to individual
Patient is a woman in her late 50s recently diagnosed with diabetes type 2 and with a history of depression. The initial video consultation lasted about an hour – she and the Link Worker talked in depth about the reasons she wanted to be more active, what activities she enjoyed and what the challenges were for her. Walking was the main activity she was interested in. At the time, with lockdown restrictions easing she decided to reconnect with a friend to walk so she could benefit from the social connection as well as the physical activity.
The Patient was linked in with Clarity Walks which are run by a social enterprise organisation which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing through guided nature walks. The Link Worker also introduced her to the “Active 10” walking app so she could keep track of her progress. Small shopping trips were identified as an opportunity to walk more and a weekly schedule was discussed to give structure to her time and a gardening “To do “ list to keep her focused and active.
Impacts / outcomes
At her final review 12 weeks later, the patient was consistently walking several times every week and was feeling so much better as a result. She’d found tracking her time and effort on the “Active 10” app really useful and motivating.
She’d been doing some gardening and her next goal was to start walking to the shops for the papers instead of taking her car and this felt much more achievable having built up the length and pace of her leisure walks.
She’s now thinking about returning to swimming as the weather cools down and she’s put her bike in for a service to get it back on the road.
Testimonial:
“When you are feeling anxious and don’t know where to start you need someone with a gentle understanding and (the Active Health Link Worker) really helped me.”
“I feel much better in myself after walking, clearer head, more energy and I feel much more positive about things.”
Key learning points
Often, self-directed activities like walking are identified as the starting point for patients to build up their physical activity and confidence in their abilities.
For more information visit:
http://velocitylove.co.uk/active-health
activehealth@velocitylove.co.uk