How caseload analysis led to the modernization of the DN service

As we move into a new century and care moves out of hospital and into the community, there is a drive to seek new models for providing nursing care to patients in their homes. Following a Caseload Analysis report, the District Nursing Modernization Project was launched in April 2004, aimed to redesign the structure and delivery of the district nursing services in South and East Belfast. The service was totally re-engineered within the existing budget and workforce. Nursing careers changed as new supporting services were developed and new job opportunities became available within the service. The structure of the services was designed on the basis of caseload analysis gathered over a number of years. Evaluation of the project indicated that the project aim and objectives had been achieved. Caseload Analysis was instrumental in establishing the need to modernize district nursing services and how this should be carried out.