Does COMPASS really work? Read what these patients say about how the care they received through COMPASS helped to change their lives.
Setting Achievable Goals Fuels Success
Barry Coulter overate and experienced serious issues with his medications. Paralyzed by severe depression, he had lost his Part B medical and Part D prescription drug coverage. The COMPASS program got him feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally, in part by setting goals each week with the help of his care manager. Some of those goals included exercising three times a week, eating at the same time every day, taking his insulin medication and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
“Part of it has to do with setting up a regimen you can impose upon yourself,” Barry said. “They’re careful to focus on only what you can handle. The fact I could succeed at very modest things became a reinforcer. Then when you’re feeling paralyzed, you have in the back of your mind, ‘I did this today,’” he added. (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN)
Value of the Consulting Psychiatrist
Cardiovascular disease coupled with several hospital stays for pneumonia left 80-year-old Beverly Morem in a depressive state. Her memory seemed to be failing as well. During a COMPASS Systematic Case Review of Beverly’s condition as reported by her care manager, consulting psychiatrist Dr. Mohit Chauhan surmised that one of Beverly’s medications could be causing her memory problems. He tapered down that medication and it made all the difference. Morem has nothing but praise for the COMPASS program. She said her care manager and the rest of the COMPASS team taught her how to like herself again and that the program gave her the tools to rebuild her confidence. (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN)
Building Self-Management Skills
Chronic pain from an accident was keeping a patient awake at night and in bed most of the afternoon. She had an A1C of 9.2, and her diabetes was difficult to control due to her lack of physical activity and inability to cook for herself. She also felt sad and lonely. The COMPASS program enabled her to address some of these challenges. A walker gave her more stability and independence. She identified activities that made her feel better, such as reading and phoning family members for support. The patient’s primary care provider also followed the recommendations of the COMPASS program’s consulting psychiatrist and prescribed an anti-depressant, which helped her depression. With the addition of acupuncture, the patient now sleeps through the night without taking pain medication. She is building her diabetes self-management skills and her health continues to improve. (Neighborcare Health – Seattle, WA)
Care Manager Contact Gets Results
When Jeff Schott went to the doctor in 2005, he need major back surgery. He was also experiencing significant stress from a failed business. Plus, a loved one attempted suicide, and then he had a stent placed in his heart in 2010. Jeff was also diagnosed with diabetes. He got relief through the COMPASS program at Mayo Clinic Health System. Through every other week contact from Sharon Learned, COMPASS care manager, Jeff’s depression improved and he got his diabetes under control. He is more motivated to take care of himself and has a better outlook on life. Jeff says, “There’s definitely a need for a program like COMPASS. Sharon has been especially great to work with. Having her as the go-between for me and the doctors has been very helpful.” (Mayo Clinic – Rochester, MN)