Research organizations can help you develop DM programs
Make a commitment before beginning
If you work for an HMO with a computer system that tracks patient data, you may be able to take advantage of a research organization’s expertise to help you develop programs to better manage your patients.
That’s how Univera Healthcare in Buffalo, NY, got the help it needed to develop a population-based depression management program.
Confidentiality was a crucial concern of the Univera staff. They wanted to come up with a way of helping their members become compliant with their medication but without compiling lists of patients being treated for depression and possibly violating patient confidentiality.
"We had created population-based programs for diabetes, heart disease, and asthma but weren’t as concerned about confidentiality issues in those designs," she says.
Researchers at Dartmouth College had a grant to work on medication compliance programs and needed a source of patients for their project. They were willing to help Univera develop its depression disease management program.
"This design and our understanding of the impact of the phone calls came from our relationship with Dartmouth. We learned from the experts how to design and test this model," says Kathleen Curtin, NP, MBA, vice president of quality management administration.
Partnering with research institutions and other organizations is a great way to develop programs to improve patient care, she adds.
"It takes a lot of work on your part, but it’s worth it because it can really enhance your programs," she adds.
Here are some other tips from Curtin on developing a successful program:
- Don’t just rush into a program. Take time to plan it.
- Make sure you have a commitment from your organization to provide the resources you’ll need.
"A phone call to patients three or four times over a 12-month period is a simple thing to do, but it does require resources," Curtin says.
- Make sure everything you need is in place before your start.
A successful program requires design work, creating a database and a system for calling, and training staff, she adds.
- Be prepared to evaluate and assess your program and make changes if necessary.
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