The two services (social aid and health education)
added to the basic clinical services that
played a major role in the team's effectiveness. In
addition to maintaining the quality of the basic
services, they were intensified. The patients had
more visits from the public health nurse and more
interviews with the diet counselor.
The fundamental difference in service appeared
to be (a) in the sense of responsibility for treatment,
which the team process engendered, and
(b) in the coordinated, planned educational approach,
to which all disciplines adhered. There
was a continuing concern for each patient, resulting
in careful followup dependent on individual
needs. Because the visiting nurse was present at
clinic sessions the physician could ask her to visit
patients the day after he saw them, if necessary,
or between clinic visits.