Dr. Schlenk has conducted studies of the determinants of
adherence to type I diabetes regimens and the choice behaviors performed by patients with type II diabetes participating in behavioral
analysis with nurses. She recently completed two pilot studies: (a) an observational study of medication adherence using electronic
medication monitors in patients with Raynaud's disease enrolled in a multicenter randomized clinical trial and (b) a telephone interview
to determine self-reported exercise adherence in persons with fibromyalgia who completed a program of education, cognitive-behavioral
coping skills training, and an exercise regimen. Dr. Schlenk is investigating the feasibility and effectiveness of a
cognitive-behavioral intervention delivered by six nurse-subject telephone contacts. The exercise adherence intervention follows an
outpatient treatment program for persons with fibromyalgia at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Pain Evaluation and Treatment
Institute. The randomized, controlled, two-group design includes measures of exercise adherence (daily exercise logs, accelerometers,
observation by significant other) and clinical outcomes (physical fitness, quality of life, disability, pain, depression).
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Dr. Schlenk's research interest is in adherence to chronic illness regimens. She is particularly interested in the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral strategies in promoting adherence to medication and exercise regimens in adults. She is also interested in the measurement of adherence behavior.
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Dr. Schlenk received her B.S.N. from Mount Mercy College, her M.A. in Nursing from the University of Iowa, and her Ph. D. in Nursing from the University of Michigan. She recently completed Post-Doctoral study at the University of Pittsburgh.
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Nurses are in pivotal positions to assist persons with chronic disorders to make and maintain lifestyle changes to follow regimens to manage chronic disorders. My research focuses on how nurses can promote adherence by teaching patients how to tailor cognitive-behavioral strategies to make and maintain behavioral changes that ultimately improve clinical outcomes.
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