Each week, a healthcare professional responds to a reader's query on an industry issue. This week's expert is Barbara Rutkowski, Ed.D., medical manager for St. Mary’s Managed Care Services.

Question: What are some cost-effective strategies to help motivate different types of patients, with special emphasis on chronic illnesses?

Response:(Barbara Rutkowski): Education is so important. People don’t even understand the name of the test they need to watch their diabetes, so we educate a lot. People have a completely wrong idea about nutrition. If they haven’t stayed current with the changes over the last couple of years, they’ll be behind. We ask members to sign a contract, and we show them how to get the most from the (average) eight minutes of their doctor’s visit. They have all their test results, which are explained when they receive them. They maintain their own files and records such as blood pressure readings to take along to their medical visits. They have to have their blood pressure taken 12 times a year.

For more details on motivating patients with chronic illnesses, please visit:
http://store.hin.com/product.asp?itemid=3550