RedArc, the third-party nurse service often included within company and individual insurance policies, has reviewed its database of over 37,000 cases to reveal the average length of added-value support required by an individual per condition. The results show that with personalised support, people are often able to cope on their own within a period of just months – and no longer require RedArc’s help, demonstrating that this is the most effective way to help people and improve outcomes.
• Of 10,422 individuals diagnosed with cancer, 50 per cent no longer need support after 6 months as following support from RedArc, they were able to deal with their condition on their own. The average length of support that RedArc provided to cancer patients was 9.5 months.
• Of 3,721 bereavement cases, 62 per cent found they could cope after 6 months’ support from RedArc, with the average length of support being 9 months.
• Similarly, three quarters (75 per cent) of 3,887 orthopaedic cases no longer required support after 6 months, and the average time of support required for all cases was 7 months.
• People suffering stroke (1.216) and cardio issues (2,909) no longer require support after a period of 9 months, and around two thirds were in this position after 6 months.
The earlier that support is offered the better, which can mitigate the chances of issues escalating and expedite recovery, so it’s key that people access help promptly; and that when they do, that a clinical assessment is made so that the most appropriate treatment and support is accessed.
Christine Husbands, managing director for RedArc commented: “In our experience, dealing with a serious physical condition usually also takes its toll on mental health. So without intervention of any sort, many of these individuals would have had to deal with both aspects, which is not only much worse for them, but can also extend recovery time. Similarly, it’s vital that a clinical assessment is made to ensure a treatment programme is appropriate and tailored to an individual’s needs, or this can also hinder progress. This is the strength of nurse-led support: our clinical expertise, coupled with the ability to provide support for both the physical and emotional, lays the best foundation to help people in their recovery.”
The support from RedArc Nurses is ongoing and lasts until the individual has adapted to their new circumstances and no longer feels they need any more assistance. A RedArc nurse is not only able to assess a person individually and provide support directly but they also access a huge variety of additional specialist therapies and treatments if required.
The nurses support people in many ways, including help to:
• understand a diagnosis
• evaluate treatment options
• cope with the emotional and physical side-effects of a condition or situation
• navigate the NHS and other health services to ensure the most appropriate treatment is accessed.
RedArc Nurses also:
• source targeted reading materials and medical aids
• arrange specialist therapies, counselling and a wide range of other services
• research local support groups and charities
Christine Husbands continued: “Our nurses will of course draw on their experience in tailoring their help to individuals but the beauty of comprehensive added-value support is that people receive personalised support which differs in every single case. There can be no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dealing with a medical condition or heightened emotional situation.”
Third-party physical and emotional support is available via many routes including from some individual and group protection products, intermediaries and other affinity groups.
