The economics of standardized patient education materials with veteran patients.

Full Abstract

With an increasing number of veterans seeking care, it becomes imperative that the resources within the system are used efficiently and effectively and in a manner that maintains access, safety, and quality of care. Veterans who are able to manage their own care may utilize provider services less frequently, thereby increasing access for others who require more care. The objective of this quality improvement study was to determine the effectiveness of providing a standardized self-management textbook of health information with the intent that it would decrease demand on primary care providers' time for minor health care issues. This initial quality improvement study clearly demonstrated the potential of the return on investment and the subsequent potential for increased access for veteran patients, appropriate use of limited resources, and improved patient outcomes. It also clearly demonstrated the value of interaction with the veterans to educate them about their care and the increased satisfaction individualized attention to their needs creates. That finding alone has a greater value than just economics.

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Author information

Author/s: Goudreau, Kelly A (KA); Gieselman, Jan (J); Sutterer, Wanda (W); Tarvin, Leslie (L); Toothaker, Anne W (AW); Stell, S Rene (SR); Pincock, Lynda (L); Henry, Patricia (P);

Affiliation: VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Nursing economic$ (Nurs Econ), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2008 Mar-Apr; vol 26 (issue 2) : pp 111-6, 121

Dates: Created 2008/06/05; Completed 2008/08/05;

PMID: 18524376, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Ethics
Humans
Patient Education as Topic - economics; methods

Prospective Studies
Teaching - standards
Veterans

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