The Influence of Telehealth for Better Health Across Communities.

Rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced an abrupt shift in the traditional US health care delivery model to meet the needs of patients, staff, and communities. Through federal policy changes on telehealth, patient care shifted from in-person to telephone or video visits, and health care providers reached out to patients most at risk for exacerbation of chronic disease symptoms. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a videoconferencing peer learning application, engaged health care providers across Missouri in the treatment and management of complex COVID-19-positive patients.

Communication during patient-provider encounters regarding diabetes self-management.

Background And Objectives: Diabetes is a common chronic illness with potentially severe complications. The risk of complications is reduced through controlling blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure. While medical intervention is important, substantial self-management on the part of patients is required to achieve good control.

Providing diabetes self-management support in rural primary care clinics with nurse partners.

This study examined the roles and effectiveness of nurse partner-provided diabetes self-management (DSM) support in five rural primary care clinics. There were two to nine providers and one nurse partner in each clinic; nurses were licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in all but one clinic. Interviews with providers and observations of patient interactions assessed nurse roles, clinic processes, and communication patterns.