Paper
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
This presentation is part of : Innovations in Evidence-Based Nursing
Patients as Partners
Diane Greig, RN, MS, AXIS Healthcare, St. Paul, MN, USA
Learning Objective #1: Differentiate the problem, desired outcome in the medical model, Roy's Adaptation Model, and Condeluci's Interdependent Model
Learning Objective #2: List at least four benefits of a personal health record (PHR)

This study describes client satisfaction with involvement in their care and perceptions of a Personal Health Record (PHR). The sample consists of 78 adults with a physical disability deemed a chronic condition. In the context of the IOM 1999 report "To Error is Human: Building a Safer System" which described medical errors and adverse events, the concept of 'patient as partner' is contrasted within several models. The traditional medical model is compared to Roy's Adaptation Model, and Condeluci's Interdependent Model. Clients with chronic conditions, who were more satisfied with their care, were actively involved in their health care. They also prepared more for appointments, recalled health advice, and rated their health at a higher level than people who were not satisfied with their involvement. A key challenge will be to help people and their families know how to participate in the health care system and comfortably master the roles of patient and support system. More needs to be done to expand the role of patient as partner. Servant Leadership and interdependence can help guide us to this goal of patient as partner if we truly listen, invite, and actively include the patient in taking specific steps to help increase efficiency, safety, and better outcomes in healthcare.