Over the Christmas break we are bringing you a round-up of key topics from our commissioning, innovation and efficiency, and leadership channels.

In this focus on long-term conditions we highlight a selection of our best practice articles from 2012. Rachel Rowe explores how a cancer network is supporting the development of a clinical commissioning model, Candace Imison looks at what can be done to achieve care closer to home, and Ian Philp explains how South Warwickshire Foundation Trust has transformed its services to meet the needs of older people.

Older woman with nurse

Integrated care for older people

Developing a legacy

Rachael Rowe looks at how a cancer network in Dorset is supporting the development of a clinical commissioning model for the local primary care trust.

What’s the alternative?

John Holden and colleagues write about the workings of a specialist GP practice for housebound older patients and how it has saved money and improved care.

Homing in on improved care

As research shows emergency admission to hospital exposes older people to clinical and psychological risks and can increase their dependency, Candace Imison considers what can be done to realise the vision of “care closer to home”.

Serve up a change that lasts for life

Robert Langford and his colleagues write about how combining weight loss intervention with therapy and medication has led to improved outcomes for obese patients.

The principles behind integrated care for older people

Ian Philp explains how South Warwickshire Foundation Trust has transformed its services to meet the needs of older people.

A few words on self-management

Multilingual peer educators in north west London are helping people in hard to reach communities manage their diabetes, say Sunder Chita and colleagues.