Longtime registered nurse Vickie Skinner, who began her career at Riley Hospital in 1979, continues to take on new challenges in her current role as Chronic Care Coordinator at Anderson Regional Health System. Most recently, Skinner was certified as a Clinical Health Coach by the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium, with goals to improve health, reduce risk and achieve the most desirable outcomes for patients.

 As a Clinical Health Coach Skinner, will work closely with patients who have two or more chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which are more prevalent in Mississippi than any other state. By coordinating information from various healthcare providers, managing medication compliance, and serving as a resource to patients, with a goal to help reduce hospitalizations and enhance patients’ quality of life.

 “I have experienced many aspects of patient care during my career, and I really enjoy working with our at-risk population to improve their health. Seeing patients who have been controlled by their chronic conditions transition to accountable self-care with improved outcomes is very rewarding.”

John G. Anderson, President and CEO of Anderson Regional Health System, said, “We are very proud of Vickie’s willingness to take on new challenges and direct this initiative. Chronic Care Management is an integral part of our system because, first and foremost, it helps our patients stay well by providing them with assistance they need in physician appointment follow up, making sure they are following medication orders, and at the end of the day, keeping them in a more healthy state.”

Ninety-eight percent of health care takes place outside the provider office meaning positive health behaviors in the home, grocery store and throughout daily living guides outcomes for patients. The quest is finding the effective strategy to inspire positive, sustainable patient behaviors once they leave the provider setting.

Forming a partnership with patients is imperative for the success of the chronic care management program. In the Clinical Health Coach training, Skinner developed a very particular set of skills to achieve this partnership: Skills to evoke patient interests, inspire positive health behaviors and to collaboratively create practical patient focused plans for positive health behavior change. Capturing a patient’s interest in partnership with effective coach support and encouragement is the key to the program’s success.

Anderson Regional Health System is the most comprehensive health system in the East Mississippi/ West Alabama area and the established leader in offering premier medical services. With two hospitals, a regional cancer center, and a network of clinics, Anderson’s healthcare professionals are committed to the mission of providing a heritage of healing and improving life for the people they serve.