Applying the Model

Let's use an arthritis example to address the questions in the table above.

The Blueburg County Health Department has developed a strategic plan to reduce the burden of arthritis. The objective of their strategic plan is that people with arthritis will reduce the degree of disability associated with their disease, especially by (1) seeking a diagnosis early, and (2) managing their condition appropriately.

In examining surveillance and epidemiologic data, health researchers have determined that Blueburg County statistics almost exactly match the following national data:

• Many people with arthritis, particularly men and young people, never see a physician for their arthritis, especially if they are generally in good health, have few activity or work limitations due to their arthritis, have no health insurance, or are overweight.
• The BRFSS data set shows that approximately 40 percent of persons with chronic joint symptoms have not had arthritis diagnosed by a physician.

In addition, county health officials know that management of arthritis includes drug therapies, as well as such non-pharmacologic therapies and self-management strategies as:

• self-management education,
• social support via telephone contact with health professionals or others,
• weight loss (if overweight) or appropriate weight maintenance,
• aerobic exercise programs (particularly aquatic) and other physical activity, and
• physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Based on the facts about arthritis listed above, let's review an example and then apply the steps of the model.