ABSTRACT
Effective strategies are needed to address the health behaviors of older patients with diabetes. One approach is health coaching, the practice of health education and health promotion through a structured partnership designed to enhance well-being and facilitate the achievement of individuals' health-related goals. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a pilot health coaching curriculum, investigate its effects on geriatric patient outcomes, and examine qualitative feedback by older patients and medical students to the curriculum. This mixed-methods study involved 29 first-year medical students randomly paired with 29 older adults with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), stage of change movement, diabetes knowledge, locus of control, Body Mass Index (BMI), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were assessed. Focus groups were used to evaluate patients' and medical students' experiences. Results showed significant increases in patients' HRQoL and stage of change for exercise improved significantly over time. There were no significant changes in stage of change for healthy diet and medication, diabetes knowledge, BMI, and HbA1c from baseline to end of study. Focus group data indicated positive responses by older patients and the medical students. A health coaching curriculum may improve patient outcomes and can provide medical students the skills needed to provide compassionate care for geriatric patients.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Geriatrics/education , Health Behavior , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Quality of Life , Self-Management , Adult , Aged , Curriculum , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/psychology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Patient Outcome Assessment , Professional-Patient Relations , Self-Management/methods , Self-Management/psychology , Students, Medical/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In children and adults, Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) has a characteristic clinical presentation that includes a purpuric lower extremity skin rash, IgA-dominant glomerulonephritis, and abdominal and joint pain. A similar clinical presentation can be seen in adults who have a systemic infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is critically important to distinguish the IgAdominant glomerulonephritis of HSP from the IgA-dominant glomerulonephritis of staphylococcal infection, because HSP may need to be treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressives, while Staphylococcus infection-associated glomerulonephritis requires antibiotics. DESIGN: We searched our renal biopsy database for cases of Staphylococcus infection-associated IgA-dominant glomerulonephritis, to identify those with an HSP-like presentation. Their clinical, laboratory, and biopsy findings are reviewed. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2011, we identified 37 patients with culture-proven Staphylococcus infection-associated glomerulonephritis. Of these, 8 (22%) had an HSP-like presentation manifested by lower extremity purpuric skin rash. Mesangial IgA and C3 deposits were consistent findings on kidney biopsy. Crescents were uncommon. Four of the 8 patients received glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy for a presumed diagnosis of HSP. Renal function worsened in 3 patients, and 1 patient ultimately improved but developed sepsis during the course. Overall, renal outcome was poor in 71% of the cases despite mild chronic renal injury in the biopsy. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with an HSPlike presentation, a high index of suspicion for underlying Staphylococcal infection is warranted. Blood cultures are frequently negative. Cultures from the site of infection should be performed. Steroid treatment did not improve outcomes. Renal outcomes were frequently poor.
