The factors that influence disease management are many. Health literacy, access to care, and lifestyle choices are important components to explore when disease management is not optimal.
Health literacy: Without regard to one 's ability to learn and grow, many people have preconceived concepts of what is needed for disease management, because of past experiences either with themselves, or with a loved one. Such thinking patterns, create resistance to the value of current research-based care designs, and inhibits the progression of disease management.
With regard to one 's ability to learn and grow, a patient with subpar cognitive abilities does not possess the skills needed to successfully manage a disease without extensive assistance. For disease management to be successful, one must have an in-depth understanding of the processes related to the disease, as well as the ability of critical thinking. For patients with average or above average cognitive abilities, misunderstanding of the disease process can lead to poor choices, resulting in unsuccessful disease management.
Access to care: A patient with limited access to care is at increased risk to suffer complications. Factors, such as a lack of transportation, lack of health insurance, financial burdens, geographical location, and
…show more content…
d.). As written previously, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 55. In this small community medical services are limited to one critical access hospital, one outpatient clinic, and one dentist office. MRI services are available by mobile MRI, but only on Sunday; echocardiogram services are available on an outpatient basis, but only on Tuesday; stress tests are preformed every other Thursday; laboratory services are available Monday through Friday during the hours of 8am-5pm, and are available 24 hours a day for emergency room