Point-of-care Health Literacy and Activation Information to Improve Diabetes Care

Detailed Summary

This hybrid effectiveness/implementation trial will be conducted in two phases over four years. In Phase 1, the investigators will evaluate the process of implementing a collaborative, diabetes goal-setting intervention (Empowering Patients in Chronic Care \[EPIC\]) personalized to self-reported patient activation and functional health literacy (FHL) levels into routine primary care practices. In Phase 2, the investigators will conduct a randomized, clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of EPIC to enhanced usual care (EUC). In Phase 2, the investigators will conduct a randomized clinical trial enrolling 284 Veterans with poorly controlled diabetes defined by average hemoglobin A1c over the last six months of \>= 8% to receive EPIC or enhanced usual care (EUC). Consented subjects will be allocated evenly between EPIC and EUC. EPIC consists of six 1-hour group sessions focusing on 1) Your Health, Your Values, 2) Diabetes ABCs, 3) Setting Goals and Making Action Plans, 4) Communication with Your Health Care Provider, 5) Staying Committed to Your Goals, and 6) Reviewing and Planning for the Future. After each group session, a one-on-one session between a designated PACT member and patient participants will focus on collaborative goal-setting. Patients randomized to EUC will be referred to the PACT RN Care Manager for diabetes management, and will also receive a packet of educational materials regarding diabetes management, including a letter delineating the diabetes management resources available at their facility. Study measurements using self-reported questionnaires and blood tests to assess blood sugar control will be obtained at baseline, post-intervention, and post-six month maintenance period.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions