Implementing the micro level of the ICCCF

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you should be able to: • explain how the meso level of the Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework addresses care for the person with a chronic condition • understand how to build a supportive environment with the person with a chronic condition and other health partners • explore aspects of health promotion and education within chronic care nursing • consider the available resources within the community that support the care of the person with a chronic condition, and identify methods to develop future resources within health care organisations • describe the impact of stigma in relation to chronic illness. Introduction This chapter describes the meso level of the Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework (ICCCF), which focuses on the health care environment and how care is organised. Tools and expertise that are required by nurses to provide evidence-based care within health care organisations, and the need to provide health education and promotion are discussed. This level of the ICCCF, with its focus on the entire organisation, is where other members of the team are valued for their involvement and support of the client. The benefits of information systems and community resources in order to provide comprehensive chronic care are addressed. The combining of large health care organisations and community groups to provide health care can lead to very effective interventions, but may require assistance to coordinate and to support clients who may have difficulty understanding the roles of such a variety of groups and people. Nurses are in a unique position to coordinate such care and to advise clients (Anderson & Malone, 2015) about what is available both within their own organisations and in the community, and thereby ensure the best possible outcomes. The meso level of the ICCCF is the link between the interaction of the client and the health care team (the micro level) and the overall environment in which care is provided (the macro level). In this way, the meso level supports the interaction with clients by providing the space and services where the interaction takes place, while the macro level provides the regulation and funding to ensure the safety and functioning of the meso-level organisations and community.