"Wherever and under whatever circumstances nurses work in the UK and across the world, their commitment and dedication should be valued and commended this International Nurses Day."
- Christine Husbands RedArc commercial director
RedArc found that ‘external therapies sourced and arranged for them’ was the second most appreciated service, closely followed by ‘being able to help them prepare for the future in terms of being aware of possible symptoms, treatments, side effects, and a return to work.’
Likewise, nurses felt that 40% of their time is spent dealing with issues outside of the policyholder’s medical condition or treatment, such as family, finances, work, and other responsibilities. They believe this demonstrates that when nurses are not time-constrained, “the powerful combination of their medical knowledge and access to wide resources means they are able to provide holistic support to ensure the wellbeing of the individual on a range of matters.”
According to RedArc, cancer, mental health, and bereavement are the top three conditions for which added-value support is most crucial. However, 41% of cases where the policyholder has been referred for a physical condition, they receive support for mental health matters. RedArc says this cross-disciplinary and rounded support is only achievable when the nurse can become well-acquainted with the individual in a broad sense, especially considering nearly half (48%) of those supported by RedArc confide their most private concerns with nurse practitioners.
Commenting on these findings, Christine Husbands, RedArc commercial director, has said:
“The ripple-effect of a person’s condition in other areas of their life cannot be under-estimated and it all needs to be addressed. While nurses’ medical expertise is central to added-value services, being able to assess the patient as a whole is crucial in improving the individual’s quality of life – whether that be helping them back to full health and back into the workplace or supporting them after a life-changing or life-threatening prognosis.
“As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved and that idiom neatly reflects the way that many people regard added-value nurse support.
“Organisations that offer nurse support, to be both on the side and by the side of their people, customers, and members, are rewarded with higher levels of loyalty and retention. Therefore, offering added-value nurse support also makes good business as well as demonstrating a care for individuals when their health takes a downward turn.”
