The impact of a multidisciplinary, integrated approach on improving the health and quality of care for individuals dealing with multiple chronic conditions.
This study examined the effects of using a multidisciplinary, integrated, whole-person, team advocate approach to educate and empower participants with multiple chronic illnesses and coordinate, monitor, and support their health care process. Individuals (N = 39) from Midwest hospitals participated and completed self-report instruments. Changes in participants' functioning were also measured with diagnostic measures completed by the team advocates. The results indicate that the participants' perceptions of physical functioning, physical well-being, control, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction increased. Additionally, health-related behavior changes were reported, and short-term costs were significantly lower than projected costs. Finally, the participants rated their health care services in the program as more effective than previous health care services.
Psychology Department, Aurora University, USA. ckrause@aurora.edu
Christina M
CM
Krause
Christopher S
CS
Jones
Stephen
S
Joyce
Maria E J
ME
Kuhn
Karen
K
Curtin
Lee P
LP
Murphy
Chad M J
CM
Krause
Brandi
B
Boan
Donald R
DR
Lucas
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires