Nursing impact on chronic disease Medicaid health home patients: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Managing individuals with chronic health conditions in the primary care setting continues to be a significant challenge in the US health care system. This issue is further compounded for low-income individuals with both mental health and physical health chronic conditions. The Affordable Care Act provides opportunities to launch chronic disease Medicaid health homes (MHH) to address the existing health care gaps. Within a multidisciplinary team, the nurse serves an integral role as the main care manager and coordinator aimed to improve patient experiences, health outcomes, and lowering health care costs. AIMS: The aim of this qualitative study is to assess the nurse's perception of their MHH role and how they may impact patient health care utilization patterns. MATERIALS & METHODS: The qualitative study included a focus group of eleven nurses and individual interviews with seven nurses. RESULTS: Six themes were identified that focus on how nurses can use a wide range of effective communication strategies and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain a nurse-patient relationship. DISCUSSION: The six themes provided insight as to nurses' perceived role in an MHH and how they impact patient health outcomes. The overarching message addressed connecting with the patient and taking the time to find out what was important to them. CONCLUSION: Nurses were able to impact patient health care utilization patterns.