Without it, there is very little any provider can do to improve a patient's health for any significant period of time. Regina Cusson, a professor of nursing at UConn, will serve as the program's site director in Storrs. That broadens the scope of what you must examine. If we could systematically dissect these relationships, we might find the key to better care. We have much more knowledge available to us than we ever make effective use of.
Relationships are hard to quantify with traditional research methods.
The program will make use of expert panels, representing different health professions and health care consumers, to shape its agenda. Cohen sees enormous potential for improving health care in understanding its relational aspects. The Donaghue Foundation is funding the collaborative program as a prototype, with the possibility that the study of relationships may in the future be expanded beyond the area of adherence.