2807NRS Chronic Illness Management / Chronic Condition Management

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University

This assessment aligns with contemporary nursing education priorities in Australia and comparable programs internationally, focusing on evidence-based chronic illness management, person-centred care, and interdisciplinary practice. The task reflects current expectations in undergraduate nursing curricula for 2025–2026 and mirrors assessment formats used across Australian universities for chronic condition management units.

Assessment Title

Assessment 2: Evidence-Based Management of a Chronic Condition

Assessment Overview

This written assessment requires you to critically examine the management of a selected chronic illness within contemporary nursing practice. You will integrate pathophysiology, long-term condition management principles, patient self-management strategies, and the role of the registered nurse across acute, community, and primary care settings.

The assessment tests your ability to apply theory to practice, evaluate evidence, and demonstrate clinical reasoning consistent with safe, ethical, and culturally responsive nursing care.

Assessment Type and Length

• Written academic essay
• 2,000 words ±10% (excluding reference list)
• Individual assessment

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Analyse the impact of chronic illness on individuals, families, and health systems
• Apply evidence-based frameworks to chronic condition management
• Evaluate the nurse’s role in promoting self-management and continuity of care
• Demonstrate critical appraisal of current research and clinical guidelines

Assessment Task Instructions

Select one chronic condition from the list provided in the course learning materials (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis).

Your essay must address the following components:

1. Introduction (approx. 200 words)
   • Brief overview of the selected chronic condition
   • Rationale for its significance to nursing practice
   • Clear outline of the essay structure
2. Pathophysiology and Disease Progression (approx. 400 words)
   • Concise explanation of underlying pathophysiology
   • Common complications and long-term consequences
   • Implications for ongoing nursing care
3. Chronic Illness Management Frameworks (approx. 500 words)
   • Application of a recognised chronic care or long-term condition management model
   • Discussion of multidisciplinary and coordinated care approaches
   • Use of current clinical guidelines and evidence
4. Role of the Registered Nurse (approx. 500 words)
   • Health education and self-management support
   • Medication management and monitoring
   • Care coordination across settings
   • Culturally safe and person-centred care considerations
5. Critical Discussion and Challenges (approx. 300 words)
   • Barriers to effective chronic illness management
   • Health inequities and social determinants of health
   • Strategies to improve outcomes and sustainability of care
6. Conclusion (approx. 100 words)
   • Summary of key points
   • Implications for future nursing practice

Referencing Requirements

• Minimum of 10 peer-reviewed sources
• At least 70% from the last 7 years
• Use Griffith University–approved Harvard referencing style

Submission Requirements

• Submit via the Learning@Griffith portal
• Microsoft Word format only
• 12-point font, double spaced, standard margins

Marking Criteria / Rubric

1. Knowledge and Understanding (30%)

• Accuracy of clinical content
• Depth of understanding of chronic illness management

2. Use of Evidence (25%)

• Quality and relevance of sources
• Integration of evidence into discussion

3. Critical Analysis and Application (25%)

• Clinical reasoning
• Application to nursing practice
• Consideration of patient-centred care

4. Structure, Clarity, and Academic Writing (10%)

• Logical flow and coherence
• Clarity of expression

5. Referencing and Presentation (10%)

• Accuracy of Harvard referencing
• Adherence to formatting guidelines

Academic Integrity

All work must comply with Griffith University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Artificial intelligence tools may only be used in accordance with current university guidance and must not replace independent critical thinking.

References

• Bodenheimer, T., Wagner, E.H. & Grumbach, K. (2019) ‘Improving primary care for patients with chronic illness’, JAMA, 288(14), pp. 1775–1779. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.288.14.1775
• Corbin, J.M. & Strauss, A. (2018) ‘Unending work and care: Managing chronic illness at home’, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(3), pp. 495–506. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13445
• Lorig, K.R. & Holman, H.R. (2020) ‘Self-management education: History, definition, outcomes, and mechanisms’, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 26(1), pp. 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324796ABM2601_01
• World Health Organization (2023) Integrated care for older people and people with chronic conditions. Geneva: WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-UCN-NCD-23.01
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) Chronic conditions and multimorbidity. Canberra: AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-conditions