Using patient feedback for creating and improving innovative programs.
There are two goals that should be of paramount concern to clinicians today. With the current emphasis on cost control in healthcare, it has become necessary to search for ways to (a) decrease the total burden of illness for costly conditions and (b) compile outcomes data to measure effectiveness and efficiency. This article describes an experimental work therapy program that seeks to address the needs of early-stage Alzheimer's disease and other dementia patients. Feedback from patients and caregivers was used to validate the benefits of the program activities in reducing the total burden of illness. These data also were used as a basis for improving program components. Once the program was well defined, patient and caregiver feedback measures were used to ensure that the program continued to meet their needs.
Quinn
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Vanderbilt University Clinic, Nashville, TN, USA.
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003625:Data Collection; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012759:Sheltered Workshops / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013714:Tennessee