title: Patient-provider partnership in a memory disorder center.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to describe the patient-provider relationship that is embraced in a memory disorder center utlizing a nurse practitioner-based model of care delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case study approach was used to promote understanding of how this model could be used in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Establishing a partnership relationship with patients, families and other healthcare providers gave patients a greater voice in their care. Patients disclosed information to the practitioner that would otherwise have not been shared and practitioners' care management was more effective because it was based upon input from the patient and family as well as the practitioner's expertise. The interdisciplinary staff have learned to value one another's expertise and to call upon each other as the need arises.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fostering patient-provider partnering increases the effectiveness of care as well as patient and family satisfaction with the care received.
authors.affiliation: Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA. dhain@fau.edu
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hain
authors.forename: Dorothy J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Ruth M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Tappen
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers; D005431:Florida; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011594:Psychometrics