22nd MDG empowers patients

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  When a patient first learns they have been diagnosed with diabetes, their reaction is often met with shock, coupled with questions about how they will now live the rest of their life.

To help answer these questions, and to help make the reality of diabetes less devastating, the 22nd Medical Group recently implemented a Disease Management program for its patients.

Disease Management is a system of coordinated healthcare interventions and communications for patients with chronic medical conditions in which patient self-care efforts and lifestyle changes are emphasized.

"This program is helpful because there is a lot of misinformation on the web [about diabetes]," said Paula Hinkle, 22nd MDG Disease Management nurse. "The Disease Management program is designed to not only educate diabetes patients about their disease, it allows them to take control of it."

In addition to diabetes education, the 22nd MDG Disease Management Program emphasizes prevention of aggravations and complications of other chronic conditions including high blood pressure and asthma.

"We will be utilizing recommended evidence-based practice guidelines and patient empowerment strategies," said Ms. Hinkle. "Disease management will support the health care team and patient relationship by working toward achievement of a mutual plan of care to achieve optimal wellness as well as prevention of further complications for chronic diseases."

The program begins by having the patient evaluated by a registered nurse, who will assign them to an appropriate level of health education about their chronic condition. The members of 22nd MDG Disease Management will provide these patients with one-on-one discussions about their health condition, medications, labs and preventative measures. The nurse will then coordinate with the patient's family health team, said Lt. Alison Helmkamp, 22nd MDG Chief of Staff.

"The disease management nurse acts as the patient's advocate and health coach to resolve issues," said Ms. Hinkle. "We want to assist patients in establishing self-management skills."

The 22nd MDG Disease Management program is one of many new programs under the Family Health Initiative, which is scheduled to take effect Aug. 1, 2011. FHI's main focus is to increase patient continuity with their assigned provider and overall healthcare, said Colonel Helmkamp.

More programs for other chronic conditions are currently in the planning stages.

"The Disease Management program is an example of how the 22nd MDG hopes to strengthen the patient to doctor relationship, while also allowing the patients to take control of their health," said Colonel Helmkamp.

Disease Management is currently offering classes in Diabetic Education. This class covers information about diabetes Type I or II. It will review symptoms, treatment, medications, diet and exercise.

All Tricare Prime or Plus patients assigned to the McConnell Clinic may voluntarily participate. For more information on the class, call (316) 759-6923.