Helping Chronically Ill Patients with Their Disease Management

Helping Chronically Ill Patients with Their Disease Management

Health care providers are not the only ones responsible for maintaining the health of ill people. These days, the patients are also responsible for their own care, and this is made possible through the process of disease management. This is especially important for people who are chronically ill, such as those suffering from diabetes and chronic kidney disease, just to name a couple. However, the biggest problem in disease management is compliance, since these people are left to fend for their own and compliance to the therapeutic regimen is not easily monitored.

One of the approaches that a health care provider can take is to have a good discussion with the patient. Studies show that even just fifteen minutes of worthwhile discussion with a patient is good enough intervention for increasing compliance in the long run. The key here is to make sure that the patient is actively listening to what the physician or nurse says. Of course, this should be coupled with understanding on the patient's part. In order to verify that the patient understands of health instructions, you can ask him to give situations in which he can apply what you just taught them. You can also ask for a return demonstration. For example, a diabetic patient's disease management involves proper insulin injection. In order to assess the patient's knowledge, you can ask him to demonstrate how to inject insulin subcutaneously after teaching him the proper technique.

Another way to help patients manage their disease is through conducting educational classes. Again, for diabetics, educational classes can focus on proper diet and exercise. These classes can be outsourced; however, the primary health care provider should still remain engaged with the patient. This can be done by providing regular contact between the health care provider and the patient.

One way of establishing contact with the patient is through asking the patient to keep a journal. For example, diabetics are asked to keep a diet diary and to monitor their blood glucose levels. Obese people also keep a journal on how much weight they have already lost. Monitoring their correct behaviors can reinforce the patient's motivation to become more consistent in what he is doing.

Disease management also involves education the support system of the patient. His companions at home should be involved in his care as well so that they are also knowledgeable when asked to react on certain situations that the patient may find himself in. Educating them can be done through discussion or through giving out educational leaflets for study. Relatives who are knowledgeable about the patient's condition are more likely to be supportive to the patient.

The aforementioned are just a few of the approaches that health care providers can make with regard to disease management of their chronically ill patients. The important thing here is to help the patient deal with his disease condition in the best way possible, so that he will be able to manage and care for himself in the long run, even without the constant presence of his health care provider.

POST COMMENT

Easy Health Tips to Improve Health Lifestyle Changes Geared on How to Keep Healthy Healthful Aging and a Good Nights Sleep Get the body you always wanted to have Natural Ways to Keep Healthy Tips to Overcome Bulldog Health Issues Mercer Infection - Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments Treatments For Hemorrhoids - Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids With Natural Treatments Hemorrhoids - Natural Cures And Home Remedies That Work The Most Effective Way To Lose Weight Is Also The Healthiest Mace Swinging For Upper Body Strength Depression Symptoms, PTSD and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) - A Surprising Answer For Depression Do You Have a Health Problem? - Judge Your Medical Condition!