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Case/Article Review 8


​You have two minutes to read the enclosed article, and you will subsequently be asked a range of questions by the interviewer. You may wish to make notes, however please note you will not be allowed to refer to your notes or the article during the discussion.

​
‘The number of workers trained to prescribe social activities, like exercise groups and art classes, to GP patients who don't need pills, is set to rise, under NHS England plans. The aim is that "link workers" will support GPs and reduce their workload. A link worker's role is to help patients find suitable community activities to improve their health and wellbeing. The NHS says more than 1,000 will be recruited by 2020-21. In the long term, it wants link workers to handle around 900,000 patient appointments a year. It is thought that a significant number of appointments at GP surgeries are not directly related to medical conditions. Instead, many patients are anxious or lonely or need support with managing a long-term condition. Some just need encouragement to join an exercise group and lose weight.

A few years ago, Mr AQ, 51 was told he had pre-diabetes. He knew he had to improve his lifestyle so a link worker referred him to a walking football club run by West Ham United Foundation in Newham. He says it's been a revelation, helping him to lose 2st 4lb (15kg) in four months. "It's been a big thing for me," he says. "I'm more energetic, more upbeat and people come to me for advice on health now. "I've got a new lease of life from exercise."

 
(Adapted from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46999922)

 Outline the main issues raised.
​


Average Candidate Response
​This article discusses the role of link workers in assisting GPs to manage patients. It gives the example of how these assistants can help patients with weight loss and health promotion.
​
Excellent Candidate Response
​
The main issue raised in this article is the increasing pressure placed upon GPs, in particular due to the rise in the prevalence of chronic health conditions. The article provides a potential solution to this problem; the implementation of ‘link workers’, individuals who encourage and aid patients to participate in activities that ameliorate their overall health and wellbeing. 

A key benefit of this scheme is that it would target growing health issues that are placing great strains on the NHS, key examples being obesity and type 2 diabetes. Through employing ‘link workers’, patients would be able to partake in physical activities or lifestyle changes that would aid their prognosis. In addition to this, individuals who are deemed to be at risk could significantly lower their chances of acquiring these conditions, reducing the potential burden on the NHS. 

On the other hand, it is important to consider the costs of employing these workers. Due to this ongoing financial strain, one could argue that recruiting more staff may accelerate or worsen this issue, particularly as there is a current shortage of nurses and general practitioners. Furthermore, not all patients may be willing to participate, which could lead to a misuse of resources.
​
Despite this, the long term benefits of this scheme could outweigh the short term costs. Should it be implemented nationwide, a significant number of patients would experience an array of health benefits both physically and mentally, allowing the NHS to recover and treat those who are most at need.
​

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