Date Approved

2004

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

Orem’s self-care and self-care deficit theories provided the framework for this pilot study that compared lay and registered nurse consumers’ problems with and knowledge about their managed care plans. A distributed questionnaire assessed commonly experienced problems, reasons for problems, and preferred methods of obtaining information about their plan.The only significant difference between the two groups was that lay consumers were more likely to go to the ER without prior authorization (corrected Chi-sq. = 3.7, p = .03). The most firequently chosen reason ofboth groups for difficulty obtaining health care services was they did not know the rules of their managed care plan. Talking with the insurance company was seen as the most helpful source of plan information. By being aware of specific access difficulties, main reasons for those difficulties, and preferred methods of obtaining information nurses can better meet the care access needs of all managed care consumers.

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