The Power of Understanding: PACE Southeast Michigan

 

The Power of Understanding worked to build on the already great skills of PACE Southeast Michigan team members. Using the proven tools of health literacy, the project aimed to empower the team to help participants learn how to take the best care of their health. Medication management for people with type 2 diabetes was our key focus.  

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How We Worked to Improve Health Literacy

• Reviewed the diabetes handouts most used at PACE SEMI, to make sure they were inviting and easy to read

• Hosted focus groups through Participant Advisory Committees (PACs)

• Offered trainings across all roles and jobs where team members met with PACE participants for their health care. The series launched at the PACE Southeast Michigan Eastpointe Center in fall 2021. In early 2022, it was rolled out at all six PACE SEMI sites. 

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What Were Our Projected Outcomes?

• Decrease in emergency department visits

• Decrease in avoidable hospitalizations

• Improvement in each participant’s HbA1c level

• Increase in participant satisfaction with provider communication

• Increased caregiver confidence in their ability to deliver associated participant supports

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What Were Our Key Goals? 

• Improve health literacy in medication management by older adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

• Improve provider skills in health-literate communication and patient education

• Contribute to an overall reduction in health disparities