The Role of Pain Classification Systems in Pain Management.

Pain is a multidimensional experience that can significantly impair an individual's quality of life. This article describes the pain classification systems, including anatomic, etiologic, intensity, duration, pathophysiological, and conditions that are not easily classified. A holistic approach is taken by addressing key components to assist with effective pain management, including the psychological and spiritual aspects of care.

Association between frequency of telephonic contact and clinical testing for a large, geographically diverse diabetes disease management population.

Diabetes disease management (DM) programs strive to promote healthy behaviors, including obtaining hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) tests as part of standards of care. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between frequency of telephonic contact and A1c and LDL testing rates. A total of 245,668 members continuously enrolled in diabetes DM programs were evaluated for performance of an A1c or LDL test during their first 12 months in the programs.

Case study of American Healthways' diabetes disease management program.

Disease management has been defined as a system of coordinated health care interventions and communications for populations with conditions in which patient self-care efforts are significant (Disease Management Association of America, 2005). The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the diabetes disease management program offered by American Healthways (AMHC) and highlight recently reported results of this program (Villagra, 2004a; Espinet et al., 2005).

A focused telephonic nursing intervention delivers improved adherence to A1c testing.

Compliance with hemoglobin A1c (A1c) testing is suboptimal despite the clear national recommendations and guidelines established for care of patients with diabetes. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between participation in a diabetes disease management (DM) program and improved adherence to A1c testing. A focused intervention study was initiated to investigate the ability of a DM program to drive improvement in A1c testing.