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.
Krause
Christina M
CM
Psychology Department, Aurora University, USA. ckrause@aurora.edu
Jones
Christopher S
CS
Joyce
Stephen
S
Kuhn
Maria E J
ME
Curtin
Karen
K
Murphy
Lee P
LP
Krause
Chad M J
CM
Boan
Brandi
B
Lucas
Donald R
DR
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