In the past decade, health services in Ireland have experienced a significant increase in unplanned admissions, applying pressure on tertiary health care, especially acute and emergency services. Similar to many countries in the WHO European Region, these services are especially challenged by the increasingly complex and chronic burden of disease among older people, whose needs are unmet in general practitioner (GP) services. To address this strain, the government has introduced the role of a clinical case manager in primary care, tasked with managing older people’s needs.

This case study is part of a series of case studies looking at how Member States are developing new roles for nurses working in primary care in order to address changing population health needs. The case studies are intended to inspire and support policy-makers, instructors, managers and clinicians to recognize and strengthen the contributions of nurses in strengthening health systems.