Promoting Problem Solving
Clinicians are in an ideal position to facilitate collaborative goal setting and problem solving for self-management. A four-step model proposed by Hill-Briggs (2003) promotes problem solving for diabetes self-management. Using this model, clinicians can identify patients' usual approach to problem solving, encourage a positive orientation toward problem solving, assist with application of past experiences and learning to solve current problems, and ensure patients have the knowledge base related to self-management to adequately solve problems (Hill-Briggs, 2003). Short-term and realistic goals with potential solutions for problems are discussed at each home visit and/or telephone contact. Discussing goals and the effectiveness of solutions to problems encourages patients to be active participants in their care and creates a sense of ownership and responsibility for diabetes management (Langford et al., 2007).