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| Empowerment for Vascular Action (EVA)
(Archived Project) |
|
|---|---|
| Investigator (PI): | Barnes, Catherine S |
| Performing Organization (PO): |
(Current): Emory University, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at Grady Health System / (404) 778-1663 |
| Supporting Agency (SA): | American Diabetes Association |
| Initial Year: | 2009 |
| Final Year: | 2011 |
| Award Type: | Grant |
| Abstract: | Patients who become involved in their diabetes care generally have better diabetes control than those who leave all the decisions to the health care provider. We believe that taking control of these decisions, also known as "patient empowerment," is the underlying factor that influences the success or failure of these health care measures. Patient empowerment asserts that to be truly healthy, people must bring about changes in their social situations and in the environment that influences their lives. To make informed decisions and be empowered, patients need 1) understanding of their disease status and 2) support/"coaching" on how to make measurable goals and articulate questions for the provider. This study will offer the patient the tools to take control of important clinical values (A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol) that determine the success of their diabetes control. Patients will actually be able to "see" their clinical results as either "dangerous," "cautious," or "normal." The analogy of the stoplight will allow the patient to see their current values as either red (dangerous), yellow (cautious), or green (normal). They will also be given a "communication" card which helps them open the lines of patient-provider communication. The goal of "Empowerment for Vascular Action (EVA)" is to motivate and empower patients to take control of their care and to encourage patients and providers to communicate and work together. Patient empowerment means that patients have the right to be involved and make their own choices about their health care. This project encourages patients to actively engage in their own diabetes care. Previous research focused on 1) provider-focused programs aimed at overcoming the failure of the provider to begin or advance therapy appropriately when clinically indicated and 2) patient-focused diabetes education programs. Our team believes that provider knowledge and skills alone will be insufficient, and that to be effective, educational programs must also overcome barriers such as the patient's lack of confidence and experience in setting goals. We believe that empowering the patient to interact with the provider--making medication and lifestyle modification decisions together as a team--is essential to achieve ADA goals. We hope to increase patient understanding of diabetes, enhance patient involvement in their own care, and facilitate patient interaction with the health care provider. We also hope to improve outcomes such as a) levels of A1c, BP, and cholesterol; b) patient adherence (taking medications as recommended and keeping scheduled appointments); and c) provider adherence (frequency and amount of therapy intensification). |
| MeSH Terms: |
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| Country: | United States |
| State: | Georgia |
| Zip Code: | 30303 |
| UI: | 20112298 |
| Project Status: | Archived |