Chronic Disease Care
A case management training program for diabetes patients is a cost-effective approach to improving quality-adjusted life expectancy rates and decreasing diabetes-related complications, according to a study in Health Services Research.
Researchers found that by using culturally sensitive nurses such a training program improved clinical results for diabetes patients while keeping costs low. The authors note that the programs are especially effective for underinsured and uninsured patients.
The study recommends that health systems consider adopting case management strategies for high-risk patients, such as those with diabetes and other chronic diseases (Gilmer et al., Health Services Research, October 2007).