Long term conditions: is there a role for health visitors?

Long-term conditions are the leading cause of mortality in the UK and represent a major public health challenge. While such illnesses primarily affect adults, there are various long-term conditions affecting significant numbers of children, such as asthma and diabetes. The health promotion role of health visitors means they are well placed to help prevent the development of long-term conditions in children and the wider community, in collaboration with colleagues in primary care. This paper discusses the existing and potential role of health visitors in preventing, screening for and helping children and families to live well with long-term conditions.