Hillier enjoys knowing that she's helping women. A research nurse recently told Hillier about a woman who drove from Erie to Pittsburgh to participate in the lactobacillus recolonization study. The woman had had chronic vaginal infections for years and called to say that the lactobacillus product administered during the study had changed her life for the better. To be able to translate an idea based on physicians' questions into a series of research studies that have lasted more than 10 years and led to the creation of a product that changes women's lives gives me a tremendous amount of pleasure. Patients like group appointments because it gives them a chance to meet and share with others, Woodcock says.
Patients share a specific diagnosis.
However, patients may drop in to the group at any time. The appointments are ideal for patients with chronic diseases that demand a lot of self-management, such as diabetes. Sessions offer an opportunity to educate patients and do simple check-ups. Usually, several providers help at each session. The ideal person for this facilitator role needs strong interpersonal skills and experience working with large groups, allowing physicians to concentrate on diagnosing specific clinical problems, modifying medication schedules, and other medical decision making.