The extension of NCM counselling and intervention over the
six-month period described here reflect an approach that
encourages self-management and a collaborativemodel of care
planning. This approach recognized clients as partners in care
and encouraged ongoing communication with their health
care providers. Telephone contact was an effective method of
providing support. However, during the course of the study,
extra physician visits were facilitated by the NCM for a few
participants to monitor response to treatment and make
changes to medications. Alternatively, some participants preferred
to communicate with the NCM by email or fax, as they
could send blood pressure reports rather than call. This
approach was less disturbing for those who worked shifts and
slept in the daytime or were at work.One participant withmild
aphasia found it easier to communicate in person or by email.