Forging Partnerships Between Rural Women With Chronic Conditions and Their Health Care Providers

Abstract

Successful adaptation to chronic illness is enhanced by active client-health care provider partnerships. The purposes of this article are to (a) examine the health care partnership needs of western rural women with chronic illness who participated in a computer-based support and education project, (b) describe how the role of the women in the partnership can be maximized by the use of a personal health record and improving health literacy, and (c) discuss ways health care providers can enhance their role in the partnership by careful listening and creating environments conducive to forging productive client-provider partnerships.

Nursing impact on chronic disease Medicaid health home patients: A qualitative study

“…Nurses can use a wide range of effective communication strategies and interpersonal skills to appropriately establish and maintain a nurse‐patient relationship . However, the health care climate, with its reduced appointment times and emphasis on economics, has made it difficult for health care providers to establish relationships with patients and provide the health care support needed.…”

“…Patients' cultural, religious/spiritual, social, language, and decision‐making needs should be addressed as part of the process and may involve family members as applicable . Nurses are well‐positioned to establish health care relationships with patients, as nursing has been ranked the most trusted profession for 15 years in a row …”

“…Six themes were identified that focus on how nurses can use a wide range of effective communication strategies and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain a nurse‐patient relationship . Nurses listened to “hear everything that was going on” with the patient to learn “where the patient was at.” It is important to know and understand patients, and consider their beliefs and habits in planning health care interventions.…”

Healthcare Engagement and Encounters in a Rural State: A Focus Group Study

“…7,28-30 31 In remote areas, technology such as internet support groups, telehealth communication, and teaching models on disease states have been effective tools for improving health literacy, medication adherence, patient engagement and patient empowerment, especially for women. 7,12,23 Our study showed use of internet by respondents for preventative care and some future interest in using telehealth solutions for healthcare. For many rural areas, telehealth has been a great bridging opportunity to improve access and patient care.…”

“…22 Details about patient-centric issues were gleaned from the participants using a focus group protocol based on the existing literature, to guide the focus group discussions. 4,7,18,23 The focus group sessions were held in a neutral location -either at the University or the hospital conference room. Demographic information was also collected from each participant.…”