Misra S; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2004 : San Diego, Calif.).
Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2004; 21: abstract no. 1712.
Rush University Medical Center, Quality Improvement, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612 Tel. 312.942.6068 Fax 312.942.8748
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: To identify strategies that improve patient-physician communication in chronic care management. STUDY DESIGN: The role of patient-physician communication in chronic care management is framed and defined. Certain models of interaction between the physician and patients and their outcomes based on various factors are studied. Subsequently various managerial and organizational strategies to improve communication are presented and analyzed. POPULATION STUDIED: Literature Review. Previous research and reviews on the subject of patient-physician communication are studied in-depth from textbooks, journals, MEDLINE search and from authoritative information available on the Internet. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Effective communication, a vital link in the patient-physician relationship in chronic care can be hampered by cultural and gender differences, healthcare consumerism and demands of managed care. However strategies that can help improve communication are 1) developing focus groups on specific chronic conditions, 2) supporting email and telephone interactions, 3) increasing training of physicians to make them more aware of the need and benefits of constant communication, 4) educating patients to ask and solicit more information on their care, 5) advocate reimbursements for phone and email interactions for physicians, 6) taking help of social workers to ensure regular follow up and get alerts on flare ups. CONCLUSIONS: Although difficult, positive and constant patient-physician communication especially in chronic care delivery can be the norm and should be approached diligently. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Effective patient-physician interactions can lead to better clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes in chronic care settings.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Communication
- Delivery of Health Care
- Electronic Mail
- Health Services
- Humans
- Internet
- Long-Term Care
- Office Visits
- Patient Satisfaction
- Physicians
- methods
- organization & administration
- hsrmtgs
UI: 103624746
From Meeting Abstracts