Development of a therapeutic relationship is integral to the accurate assessment and understanding of patients' needs and the ensuing delivery of effective, person-centred care. In Northern Ireland, as in other European countries, the population is growing, with the greatest increase in the older-age group. These demographic trends, coupled with an increase in people living with long-term conditions, have focused the attention of health-care providers and clinicians on the development of community-based services and interventions that meet the complex needs of patients living in the community. Central to this is the need to ensure the views of service users are heard and respected. Consequently, services should be designed and delivered with the service user at their core. This case study details how a district nursing student facilitated person-centeredness by developing a therapeutic relationship during assessment, and when planning and delivering care to a patient living with multiple comorbidities. It also examines the communication skills used throughout the process.

Michelle Doherty - District Nursing Student, Grove Health and Wellbeing Centre, Belfast Trust

Hilary Thompson - Lecturer in Nursing, Option Leader Specialist Nursing, District Nursing, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Belfast