Couplers are internet-based health questionnaires and guidance tools, designed to promote better communication between patients and healthcare providers. Questionnaire responses are “coupled” with extensive medical information that International Health Management (IHM) uses to evaluate patients’ physical and emotional well-being. This baseline information facilitates care prior to departure for international assignments and ongoing health management.
Q. What do Couplers have to do with IHM?
A. IHM has three objectives for health appraisals – to be current in content, comprehensive in scope, and consistent in application. PKC Corp.’s Coupler tools aid us in achieving reliable and reproducible results by probing a diversity of health issues and reinforcing the value of informed patient participation.
Q. How does Couplers benefit me?
A. In completing Couplers, you become the source and filter of your health management information, enabling you to become more effectively engaged with your healthcare providers. Couplers incorporate an educational dimension to address questions related to your physical and psychosocial wellness.
Q. I find the questionnaires long, and not all parts seem to be applicable.
A. Although there may be sections that do not apply to your situation, working systematically through the Coupler statements often builds self-awareness and may prompt further dialogue.
Q. After finishing only half of the Coupler questionnaire before getting called away to do something else, it is frustrating to lose all the answers and have to start from the beginning.
A. On the top right corner of the Couplers website is an orange RELOAD button. If you periodically save your session, you can reload it from where you left off. For step-by-step instructions, please watch the tutorial on using Couplers.
Q. Sometimes, Coupler statements seem too vague for me to answer with a definite yes.
A. It is possible to answer with a ‘?’ mark by clicking twice. And at the end of every section, there is a space provided for other symptoms. Use this as a starting point for communication with your doctor.
Q. During stressful and busy periods, it is hard to budget enough time to complete the Couplers.
A. You are not forced to complete the entire questionnaires in one sitting, but have the option to finish the Couplers in intervals by saving and reloading sessions through the RELOAD tool.