Page 157 - HA Convention 2015

Masterclasses

MC9.4 Nursing – Rehabilitation and Patient Empowerment 13:15 Theatre 1

Empowerment Programme for Diabetes Patients Tuesday, 19 May
Chan SOY, Hung HFV, Chan KW
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong

Patient empowerment is defined as helping patients to discover and develop the inherent capacity to be responsible for one’s
own life (Funnel, 1991).

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that requires long term lifestyle modification and medical care. Many diabetic patients
are frustrated with their care and education. Patients often feel judged and blamed for not following the advice given by
healthcare professionals. The healthcare professionals are also annoyed with their own inability to motivate the patients to
comply with the management. Evidences show that when patients become active participants in the management of care,
they will increase their awareness on the adverse outcome of the disease. Hence, they are more motivated in managing their
own health. There are global changes in the concept of health care towards patient empowerment and patient involvement in
disease management.

In order to realise the benefit of patient empowerment, we have changed the care delivery model from the Traditional Medical
Model to Empowering Educational Model. It is important to let patients know their risks and thus increase their awareness
on the importance of prevention of diabetic complications. Achievable goal setting is the most important component;
other components are disease-specific knowledge and skill, self-efficacy enhancement and lifestyle modification.
Moreover, organising specific activities for patients is an important and interactive way to deliver key messages on diabetes
management; and the availability of peer group support provides additional benefit on psychosocial health for the patients.

In conclusion, provision of professional knowledge with a multidisciplinary approach will enhance patient management.
However, patients will have to make their own choices on how to control their disease and prevent complications. The
empowerment programme not only demonstrates the importance of patient self-management but also the important role of
healthcare professionals in the multidisciplinary patient-centred care for diabetes.

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