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St.
Francis Seraph Parish Nurse, Sr. Phyllis Kemper, R.N., works
to improve access to services and awareness of healthy lifestyles
for low-income residents of Over-the-Rhine. Working collaboratively
with a client's physician, Phyllis promotes proactive health
care management by establishing a health care team, between
client, physician and parish nurse. One example of this collaboration
is with Crossroad Health Center located in Over-the-Rhine;
Phyllis refers to and receives referrals from the Crossroad
Center physicians.
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When Phyllis
receives a referral from the parish staff, a community member or
physician, she visits that client on a regular basis. Visits include
assistance with checking blood pressure, testing blood sugar, explaining
how to take medications properly or answering health care questions.
She keeps the physician up-to-date regarding results of monitoring
and lets the doctor know of any changes or concerns that he should
address. This positive approach helps clients manage their health
more effectively, improving chronic disease management and reducing
reliance on emergency services.
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a client, who has a vision problem, expressed a fear of walking
in her neighborhood to pick up her medications, Phyllis arranged
for a phone to be installed and found a pharmacy willing to
deliver. Now, that client can call in her prescriptions and
have them delivered. That client "feels much safer now!" |
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