Ching-Min Chen
National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Title: Perception of empowerment and practice in chronic disease management among public health nurses of Taiwan
Biography
Biography: Ching-Min Chen
Abstract
Population ageing and the increasing of longevity associating with chronic diseases in old age are crucial issues around the world. While providing community-based primary care services, public health nurses (PHNs) have faced the increased demands in providing comprehensive and continuity of care for community dwelling elderly with chronic conditions. The objective of this study was to analyze PHNs’ perceptions of empowerment and practice in chronic disease management in Southern Taiwan. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. A purposive sample of PHNs from four public health centers in Southern Taiwan participated in focus group discussion and completed the questionnaire survey. PHNs reported highest in communication followed by disease care and management in practice of chronic disease management. Perception of empowerment in chronic disease management showed PHNs felt as a nature to agree in psychological empowerment and about 50% felt the organizational empowerment. Practice in chronic disease management was correlated with empowerment. Four themes were emerged based on the result of the focus group: "Gather and Collect Community", "Between Ideal and Reality", "Seamless Integration and Well Considered in Every Aspect: The Demands from Individual, Organization to Environment", and "Blueprint for a Better Chronic Disease Management". It is recommended that PHNs should keep the original care services and provide service through developing partnerships, strengthened the training, building up medical information networks, apply smart ways or tools, combine with related of resources and promote policies to support PHNs in chronic care management.