Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Veteran experiences related to participation in shared medical appointments
Shannon Cohen1, Sarah Hartley, Jasbir Mavi
1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1970 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153, USA.
Unlabelled:
Shared medical appointments (SMAs) are an innovative way for multidisciplinary teams to work together to meet veteran needs and encourage adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of veterans who participated in SMAs.
Method:
Focus groups were utilized to obtain information about SMA experiences. This method encouraged veterans to expand on and clarify the meaning of their experiences. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by the researchers using N'Vivo software and an exploratory process to obtain consensus about themes.
Results:
The following themes emerged as a result of the focus group analysis: "empowerment, peer support, awareness, positive provider characteristics, teamwork, benefits, and convenience."
Conclusions:
Veterans reported improvement in their overall health and well-being, improved self-management skills, and satisfaction with the SMA format. Veterans reported feeling empowered to improve their health and described a deep connection with their peers and group leaders. The connection they experienced with other veterans in the SMAs was similar to the close-knit relationships held with other members of their military unit.
Related Concept Videos
Patient-centered Care
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Ethical Standards II
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities