CURRENT ISSUES

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The NHS and industry in partnership? - continued

Vital role of patient education in DM programmes The role of patient education in disease management (DM) is 'more vital than ever before' , says Marian Ryan Henry from MedPartners in La Habra, California, US. Henry notes that patient education is an essential component of a comprehensive DM programme.

Eight steps Henry outlines the following steps for the development of a patient-education programme: • • • • • • • •

Identify members for a task force to guide development. Conduct a needs assessment. Identify programme goals and objectives. Develop the programme design and incorporate social learning theories and health education models. Include programme materials, such as participant workbook, brochures and handouts. Develop an evaluation plan. Develop an overall marketing plan and identify marketing strategies to ensure programme partiCipation . Identify the role of the provider and that of case management.

Henry points out that primary-care providers must support any DM programme or patient-education programme . Although case management is a 'very costly intervention', it is also very effective, she says.

Patients partner with physicians Case management is cost effective only if the highest-cost patients are appropriately selected for intervention, she adds . •With knowledge, skills and tools to change harmful behaviours, all patients can partner with their physician in their care' , she concludes. Henry MR. Practical strategies to increase patient education effectiveness in a disease state management programme. Disease Management and ,.,..."" Health Outcomes 5: 243 -251. May 1999

PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 26 Jun 1999 No. 218

1173-5503199/0218.00041$01 .00° Adl.1nternatlonel Limited 1999. All right. reHrVed